On Saturday, May 30, Hamilton Community Schools once again hosted the MHSAA Division 2 State Track & Field Finals, welcoming 1,244 student-athletes from 135 schools across the state. More than 4,100 tickets were sold for the event, bringing thousands of athletes, coaches, officials, and family members to the Hamilton community.
While the competition on the track was the main attraction, the impact of the event extended far beyond the stadium gates.
More than 200 volunteers, along with numerous Hamilton Community Schools and MHSAA staff members, worked throughout the day to host one of the state's premier high school athletic events. Their efforts helped create an experience that earned praise from visitors across Michigan for the quality of the facilities, the organization of the meet, and the welcoming atmosphere that Hamilton is known for.
For local businesses, the event provided a significant boost during one of the busiest Saturdays of the year.
At Hawk's Nest Restaurant, owner Ashley Haskin said the state finals created a noticeable increase in traffic throughout the day. The restaurant also partnered with the district by preparing breakfast burritos for volunteers and staff members before the event began.
"We were up 27 percent from the week before," Haskin said. "I personally think it's awesome. It's great for the local businesses. There were a lot of families that were at last year's event and came back this year. One family came here for lunch during the event break, then dinner and ice cream after."
For Haskin, the event is about more than sales numbers.
"As a business owner in the community, we are so happy the school does this. We are so happy to be a part of it," she said. "I love that we're able to provide some of that small-town feel to those from bigger cities when they come here."
Just down the road, Joezano's Pizza and J&H Family Stores experienced a similar surge in business.
Joezano's Owner Sal Vatore said the event provides an opportunity to introduce visitors to local businesses while creating lasting connections.
"It's helping. Today is a great day to work with the school and get the name out there and let people try our food and meet new customers and create a bond," Vatore said. "There's a lot of new runners running on the sidewalks by our building."
Vatore noted that many visitors are surprised by what they discover in Hamilton.
"Having a business in town and having the school by us, this is very cool," he said. "Hamilton is bigger than what people realize. They think we're a small town and you blink and miss it, but if you come by here and see everything we have going on, there's a lot going on."
The impact was immediate. By 12:30 PM, J&H Family Stores gas station had already matched a typical Saturday's sales and ultimately finished the day more than 25 percent ahead of normal business levels.
Cashier Jason Fairchild, a 1998 Hamilton High School graduate, witnessed the steady stream of visitors firsthand.
"So far we've seen teams from several schools coming in, a lot of matching uniforms," Fairchild said. "We have sold a ton of water and Gatorade, and ice we've run out twice already as of 12:30 p.m. and I have somebody refilling it as we speak. A lot of snacks and water all day long."
As a Hamilton alumnus, Fairchild said the event brings a special sense of pride.
"I think this is really cool, especially since I'm a Hamilton grad," he said. "It's great to see these young kids come together in Hamilton to run."
The success of the event is made possible through months of planning led by Athletic Director Eric Talsma and countless volunteers who give their time to make the state finals a first-class experience for athletes and spectators.
"It was another monumental task to pull off a successful state track meet here at Hamilton," Talsma added. "So many volunteers came out to support the event helping to park cars, serve concessions, and run the track and field events. We had tremendous support from Hamilton Track & Field alumnus as well. There were many compliments from athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators from across the state about our great facilities, organizations, and volunteers."
For Hamilton Community Schools, hosting the state finals is about more than athletics. It is an opportunity to showcase the community, support local businesses, and demonstrate what can happen when a small town comes together to host a statewide event.
