The track at the Westcott Athletic Complex was dedicated in honor of Larry Gilbertson in 2008. Gilbertson was a long-time coach at Austin High School and notably launching the cross country team in 1961.

Gilbertson was born on January 20, 1933 in Erwin, South Dakota. He had a reputation as a strong middle-distance runner at Vermillion High School and the University of South Dakota.

Gilbertson came to Austin in 1959 and coached junior high track and assisted with high school track. In the inaugural season of cross country, his new team were district and regional champions and finished 11th in the state.

In 1967, Gilbertson coached the cross country team to win the state championship. His 1979 track team also took the state honors. He also coached girls track and cross country.

Gilbertson was known for motivating his athletes by believing in their skills before they did. He died in 1998.

This week at the HHH

Monday: Office closed

Coming soon to the HHH

•Social Concerns: The Power of Touch by Julie Champlin, masseuse, at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17. Come and enjoy an introduction to hand and feet massage and reflexology.

Massage decreases stress and fulfills the need for human touch. When we speak of something “touching”it implies a close link between touch and the emotional reactions of the heart. It is more than a metaphor-our skin does speak to our hearts and our hearts respond. Please bring your favorite bottle of lotion and a small towel and you will be given an opportunity to learn how to apply pressure to relax with reflexology and massage strokes for your hands and feet. Register at 433-4243 by Monday, January 16.

•Cooking Tips & Trends at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. “Tour of Asian Cuisine” presented by Patrick King, as part 1 of 3-part “Passport to Flavor” classes in January, February and March. Register through Community Ed at 460-1704.

•Austin Wedding Showcase featuring the Austin Bruins from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29th