Issue date: 5/15/08 Section: News

A reflection of Andrews Hall in a bed of pebbles. Andrews Hall will be one of the housing units used for the members of the Illinois High School Association track meet being held May 17 - 19 and 24 - 26. (Robbie Wroblewski/ The Daily Eastern News)

All residence halls that are not being renovated will be available to house about 2,500 high school track athletes this weekend.

Eastern will host the Illinois High School Association girls track state finals this weekend, and Mark Hudson, director of Housing and Dining Services, said rooms and kitchens were prepared throughout this week.

"There are three main benefits to hosting large functions like the track meets," Hudson said. "First, we make some money on it and we put it right back into our budget for repairs; second, we get exposure to a mass amount of high school students who may decide they like Eastern enough to (apply for admission); and third, we can keep some of our building service workers employed over the summer."

Without work for BSWs during the summer, workers would try to seek employment elsewhere, and the university would rather provide for its loyal employees to keep quality, happy personnel, Hudson said.

Some of the BSWs include maintenance workers, kitchen staff and desk clerks.

Douglas and Lawson Halls will not be available for the visiting athletes, but several floors on Carman Hall have been prepared for living this summer in case extra housing is needed.

The drawback to Carman is its distant location from Lantz Arena and other facilities used during the summer.

The IHSA boys track state finals will be hosted next weekend, June 23 and 24.

Hudson said he anticipates about 2,500 high school students for that event as well.

In the City
The state track meets also provide several commercial aspects to the Charleston.

Karen Petersen, tourism supervisor for the City of Charleston, said hotels are usually sold out during both IHSA state track meets, and some local businesses extend hours during the two weekends.

"The state track meets greatly boosts economy on the weekends that are usually quiet because most college students have left by then," Petersen said.

"Charleston visitor guides are placed throughout Lantz Arena so that athletes (and parents) can see what other activities are available before or after the competitions," Petersen said.

Many local shops and restaurants like to market toward parents or family groups, Petersen said.

Even large businesses like Wal-Mart get more sales during the events' weekends, she said.


Rick Kambic can be reached at 581-7942 or at rwkambic@eiu.edu.

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