For the first time in nearly a decade, Midland University will serve as the host team for the Great Plains Athletic Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships May 1-2 at Heedum Field.
It will be the first home meet for the Warrior program since hosting the GPAC Championships in 2017.
“There is an incredible energy that comes with a large-scale track meet like the GPAC Championships,” Midland University President Dr. Aly Williams said. “It is a thrill to watch so many amazing athletes competing in a wide variety of events all at once. Beyond the competition itself, I love the vibrant atmosphere this will bring to our community. With hundreds of athletes and spectators traveling to Midland and Fremont, it’s a wonderful opportunity for them to see firsthand what makes our community such a special place to live and compete.”
Through donations from donors, and a grant from the Fremont Area Community Foundation (FACF), renovations were made to Heedum during the summer of 2025. Renovations included new turf on the football field and the resurfacing of the 8-lane track. A $50,000 grant was awarded to Midland by the FACF in February of 2025 for resurfacing. Midland also received a $15,000 grant from the Fremont & Dodge County Convention & Visitors Bureau to help with the track resurfacing.
“This investment reflects our belief that strong community assets create opportunities far beyond their immediate purpose,” said Melissa Diers, executive director of the Fremont Area Community Foundation. “By supporting improvements to Heedum Field, we’re not only enhancing the experience for Midland’s student-athletes, we’re helping position Fremont as a place where people gather, compete, and connect. Projects like this strengthen both quality of life and local economic vitality, and we’re proud to be part of that momentum.”
The GPAC championships will feature 11 women’s teams and 10 men’s teams from across three states. The two-day event will promote hundreds of athletes of many different skill sets and will bring spectators from across the country to Fremont.
“Being able to host an event of this caliber is a testament to our athletic department and all of the incredible volunteers,” Williams said. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we can provide our student-athletes and visitors with a beautiful new 8-lane track. We owe a huge thank you to the Fremont Area Community Foundation, the Fremont and Dodge County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and our private donors. Their contributions are an investment in our student-athletes and the Fremont community.”
