In 1989, Margot Biermann’s husband encouraged her to apply to Hillsdale College and she was convinced. In 1993 she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She was 44.
Two years ago, Margot passed away. Shortly after, her husband Frank was interested in the college’s plan to build and remodel the athletic building. Margot had been an active distance runner, completing 26 marathons. He felt like this would be an appropriate way to assist the college and honor his wife.
The Margot V. Biermann Athletic building, complete with a 200 meter indoor track and four tennis courts, has changed the future for the Hillsdale tennis team, and indoor track team especially.
The last time Hillsdale College tried to host an indoor track meet was three years ago. But due to the last two lanes falling short of conference width regulations, the Charger track team only travels during the indoor season. But not next year.
Recently, the NCAA changed the dimensions of indoor 200 meter tracks. They have gotten wider, allowing lanes a 21 meter radius and 48 inch width. Conveniently for the college, these changes were made just in time for the construction of the Biermann Athletic Center.
Because of the new dimensions of the indoor tracks lanes, the curves will be gentle, facilitating faster running. The updated dimensions, combined with the Mondo track surface — –well known as the best track surface available — will make Hillsdale one of the premiere tracks for faster times.
“We will have one of the fastest 200K tracks in the nation,” said athletic director Don Brubacher. “The fast runners will want to run here.”
The money for the intramural building plan is spread between the Jesse Philips Arena renovation and the Margot V. Biermann building to create “far more space for general students,” Brubacher said.
The Jesse Philips Arena renovation is phase two of the construction project. Three new wood basketball courts, a 3000 square foot studio dance floor, and a two-story fitness center will replace the current basketball court and indoor track once it is stripped away. Construction for phase two is scheduled to begin in March.
Inspection for the Margot V. Biermann Athletic Center is scheduled to occur on time, next Friday, Feb. 8. After the building is declared safe and functional, the owner occupancy date is scheduled for Feb. 22.
“I don’t see anything getting in the way of the occupancy date, “ said Chief Administrative Officer Richard Pewe. “But I agree that it is always good to take as much time as you need.”
Before inspection can occur, details such as cleaning, window, and LED light installation must be completed. While some exterior work is still required, this will not have an effect on the owner occupancy date.
“Excitement is an immense understatement,” Brubacher said. “We think this will be really great for the campus and benefit every student. This building has been designed for the campus community.”
