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However, this year the MSHSL was in the market for a new venue because the Sports Center discontinued the maintenance Program on their track.

“(Blaine) has not maintained the site and are no longer able to host practices because the site is deteriorated so badly,” said mens cross country coach Paul Schmaedeke. He also coaches track and has been a major contributor to the university getting this event.

“We’re real excited,” said Schmaedeke in a personal interview. It is quite the happenstance that Hamline netted such an event.

“[I was aware] the state high school league was shopping around for a place [to hold the tournament],” said Schmaedeke, though he never thought of Hamline as a candidate.

Bob Whiting sells equipment to Hamline and he runs the clock at some state tournaments. One day, one a sales trip to Hamline, he was admiring the campus’ renovations with Schmaedeke. Whiting suggested that Hamline could host the MSHSL track meet. Whiting then informed his contacts at the MSHSL of the university’s potential. Schmaedeke said representatives from the MSHSL toured campus and decided to allow Hamline to place a bid to host. Hamline’s bid was accepted over that of two other schools, one being the University of Minnesota. Hamline has a two-year contract to host this tournament.

There could be many difficulties orchestrating an event of this magnitude but the Athletic Administration and the track and field coaching staff are doing a great job organizing.
“We want to sure we do an excellent job and minimize the disruption to campus,” said Athletic Director Dan O’Brien.

There are about 975 parking spaces on campus. There are over three hundred teams and surely they all will bring their cheering sections. Needless to say, the track and field coaching staff, who are organizing the hosting of the meet, will be making some accommodations. The organizing staff have to work in conjunction with a lot of different departments on campus to make this work. Rooms have to be reserved in the dorms for athletes. More bleachers and temporary seating needs to be put in place. Security measures need to be taken. Parking shouldn’t be as bad of a problem. Spots will be plentiful a mile north of Hamline at the State Fair Grounds. Bus shuttles will take fans and spectators to and from there vehicles through out the two-day event.

Ticket prices will be $10 for adults and $7 for students. This isn’t about money for Hamline, though. The university will be fortunate to break even on such a production. So why would Hamline want to host?

This is like Prospective Student Day multiplied by 100. The event is great exposure for Hamline and an opportunity to get prospective students on campus. “That one of the challenging things for Hamline; to get people on campus and to know what Hamline is about,” O’Brien said.

This is a great opportunity for Hamline too show off the new facilities to some of the state’s best athletes, as well as their friends and family. A major perk is the potential recruiting the athletic department can do here. Many track athletes are multi-sport athletes will experience Hamline in person. The university will be able to make an impression on a lot of people and Schmaedeke said he believes it will be a good one.

“People will have a great experience on our campus, spectators and athletes alike,” he said.