University of Wisconsin Oshkosh cross country and track and field coach John Zupanc enjoyed running on his “home track” during the 2009 USA Track and Field Masters Outdoor Championships at the Oshkosh Sports Complex in July.

Zupanc was among the more than 1,000 competitors at the event, which also included UW Oshkosh alumni, six Olympians and 45 world masters champions.

“The opportunities to race on a track are limited for my age group, so to have that chance in Oshkosh was great,” said Zupanc, who finished third in the men’s 55-59 age group and ninth overal in the 10,000-meter run.

“My former athletes were in different races, but it was fun to watch them compete again. It brought back many fond memories from their college days at Oshkosh,” he said.

Hosting a national championship is a great opportunity for UW Oshkosh and the entire community, Zupan said.

“The economic impact for the city is tremendous: 970-plus athletes along with family staying in hotels and residence halls for four or five days, dining out, renting cars, going shopping and, generally, spending money,” he said. “It is another opportunity to showcase the Oshkosh Sports Complex to people from around the country. We hope this continues to give Oshkosh a chance to earn bids for future national events.”