College builds new track at Hayden Park

By Anna MacPhee Collegian Freelancer

Hillsdale will complete the construction of a new track in Hayden Park before the fall 2023 semester, according to Richard White, the head track and cross country coach.

Because of the renovation, a large area near the entrance of Hayden Park is closed for construction. According to Director of Student Programming Rachel Marinko, who said she frequently walks in Hayden Park, the construction of the new track is necessary despite its disruption.

“I was kind of sad at first because I used to go on walks out there all the time, but the new track was definitely necessary,” she said.

White said the college has planned the renovation for several years.

“I'm really excited that we're going to get this new facility,” White said. “It's really a testament to how much Hillsdale College cares about their athletic program, and we're grateful for that.”

According to White, Hillsdale needed an updated track. “The surface of the current track is weathered and it's old,” White said. “It has gotten really hard, and it has made training on it in high volume difficult because it's harder on your body. The new surface will allow us more volume of training on the track.”

The new track will also include a center field that the track team will be able to use for training, accord- ing to White.

“Sometimes it's really nice for us to be on something softer,” he said. “From a training standpoint, it's really exciting.”

Hillsdale Chief Administrative Officer Richard Péwé said he has been involved in the renovation of the track. The new track will benefit every track event, Péwé said.

“It’s going to be a ninelane track, with lanes that will be a little bit wider than the existing lanes,” Péwé said. “We’ll have the ability to long jump or pole vault in any direction depending on the wind. Plus, you have throwing areas right there by it.”

White said the track will allow Hillsdale to host track meets in future seasons.

“Track is no different than home field advantage for baseball or football,” White said.“Now, we're slated to host conference championships in spring 2024.”

Junior Louisa Klaserner, a hurdler on the track team, said she is excited for the team to have a designated space for training and hosting meets.

“I’m excited to have a track that’s all our own,” she said. “Sometimes, we have to make accommodations for other teams, like when the football team uses the football field and we need to use the track. It will be nice to have our own track and our own space to use for whatever we need.”

According to White, Hayden Park was the perfect place to build the new track.

“I think it's just a beautiful spot,” White said. "The cross-country course out there, in my eyes, is a world-class cross country course. Putting the new track out there will be perfect. It’s a unique spot, and it’s able to serve large quantities of people.”

According to Péwé, the renovation shows Hillsdale’s commitment to varsity athletics.

“Athletics has been an integral part of the college since its founding,” Péwé said. “It’s a source of spirit and pride. Athletes are driven by excellence, both in the field of competition and the classroom.”

The renovation of the track will include bleachers and a press box, according to Péwé.

“We’ll build it up more like a stadium in later phases,” Péwé said. “We’ll incorporate the existing building to add restrooms, concessions, and training locker room areas. We’ll have lights. It’s definitely a big project.”

Péwé said the renovation of the track will benefit the whole student body, who will be able to use it for club sports and intramurals.

“A track facility like this is not just for varsity athletics,” Péwé said. “In fact, if it was just for varsity athletics, we probably wouldn’t do it. Whatever we do, in terms of facilities, we want it to have an impact on the general student body. The track is always available to help improve the body and push yourself.”