Gray Skies Don’t Dampen Falcon Spirit at Faribault Track Dedication

It's been 60 years since Ted Nelson graduated from Faribault High School, and gray skies weren't going to take away from his special day.

The track around Bruce Smith Field was officially dedicated Ted Nelson Track during a brief ceremony before a Faribault Falcon boys and girls track meet on Thursday.

Mayor John Jasinski had proclaimed the dedication day "Ted Nelson Day" in Faribault.

The Faribault Booster Club spearheaded the drive and the Faribault Public School Board was supportive every step of the way.

Booster Club President and School Board member Chad Wolff told KDHL he met Nelson a couple of years ago and heard about his accomplishments. While visiting with other Falcon supporters the idea grew to name the track in Nelson's honor.

The former Falcon athlete said it was "great to have him here" for the dedication.

Nelson attended and looked as if he could still participate in the sport. Some family and friends were there.

The Faribault Chamber Expo was being held at the same time at the Faribault Ice Arena and a it appeared a number of people went over to see the dedication.

Jasinski was in attendance and Booster Club Board members, as well as Faribault public schools Superintendent Todd Sesker.

Nelson became the first Minnesotan and the 20th American to break the four-minute mile in 1966. He held the indoor 800-meter run American record for nearly 20 years and the world record for over half a decade. Nelson captured the 880-yard run high school championship for Faribault High School his senior year in 1956.

He went on to have a stellar career at Mankato State University and won two national championships there. In fact, Mankato State honored him in 2004. He is in their Hall of Fame and the "Ted Nelson Classic" meet is named in his honor.

Faribault high school athletic director and former Falcon Danny DuChene told KDHL before the ribbon cutting that to be able to name two of Faribault High School's athletic facilities after nationally recognized individuals in their sport is something "not many high schools get to do."

Bruce Smith Field is named in honor of the University of Minnesota's only Heisman Trophy winner and Faribault High School graduate Bruce Smith. Smith went on to have a successful NFL career and starred in a movie about himself.

Nelson is a very humble man and told KDHL he was "honored indeed" to have the track named after him.

The former 30-year veteran Los Angeles Fire Department firefighter says he "marvels at the accomplishments of today's athletes" and credits a lot of their success with "weight training, nutrition and better tracks to run on."

It was great to have the dedication while Nelson could attend and see it happen. Too often these dedications are made long after someone has passed and is unable to be there.

A big thanks to Jerry Groskreutz, our photographer for the event.