Ed Hruska, a driving force behind Rochester’s emergence as a national hub for amateur sports, will retire from his role as Executive Director of the Rochester Sports Foundation (RSF) on Dec. 31, 2025.
Sports Pioneer Ed Hruska to Retire
By Megan Malugani
July 21, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Chris Terry
Board President, Rochester Sports Foundation
507-398-5250
Sports Pioneer Ed Hruska to Retire
After Transforming Rochester’s Athletic Landscape
Rochester, MN – Ed Hruska, a driving force behind Rochester’s emergence as a national hub for amateur sports, will retire from his role as Executive Director of the Rochester Sports Foundation (RSF) on Dec. 31, 2025.
Since 2019, Hruska has led the Rochester Sports Foundation, advocating for new and improved sports facilities in the area. Previously, he served for 16 years as the Executive Director for the Rochester Amateur Sports Commission, which was renamed Rochester Sports during his time there. Rochester Sports attracts and administers hundreds of amateur sporting events annually, boosting the local economy and encouraging active lifestyles.
Hruska’s leadership at the Sports Commission helped transform Rochester into a nationally recognized hub for amateur athletics, bringing both economic impact and excitement to the city. Through innovative event development—like the creation of The Clash National Wrestling Duals and the Firecracker Baseball Tournament—he built signature competitions that are now staples of the region’s sports calendar. Some of Hruska’s favorite memories range from organizing national junior college wrestling championships in the early 2000s to welcoming the 2004 World Tug of War Championships with 15 participating countries. Under Hruska’s leadership, Rochester was named National Sports Commission of the Year in both 2010 and 2015.
Hruska reflected on the city’s role in amateur athletics: “We’ve had some of the best young athletes in the country here,” he said. “Over the years, we’ve created memories and experiences that athletes and families will carry with them forever.”
Hruska also served four terms on the Rochester City Council between 1997 and 2018 and spent nearly two decades working at Mayo Clinic Credit Union early in his career. His understanding of local policy, hospitality, and community need fueled the city’s evolution into a sports destination.
“Sports tourism has brought in an estimated $25 million annually in direct spending,” Hruska noted. “But beyond the numbers, it’s made our local organizations stronger, given kids more opportunities, and supported the hospitality industry -- Rochester’s second-largest business sector.”
As head of Rochester Sports Foundation, Hruska has championed the need for new and upgraded local facilities, helping to reframe the conversation around sports as economic development. “We started to fall behind other communities, and we needed to educate people about the value of investing in facilities,” he said. “That effort’s gone really well—but now it’s time to hand the reins to someone else.”
Chris Terry, Board President of the Rochester Sports Foundation, praised Hruska’s unmatched legacy. “I don’t even know where to start -- Ed has been instrumental in putting Rochester on the map for amateur sports and sports tourism,” said Terry. “He’s passionate, committed, transparent, caring, and has strong principles. His impact goes beyond events—it’s about building a stronger community.”
Terry emphasized just how difficult Hruska will be to replace: “He thinks sports 24/7. From his years on the City Council to his leadership at the Sports Commission and Rochester Sports Foundation, Ed’s deep knowledge and connections -- locally, regionally, and nationally -- have been irreplaceable.” Terry added that Rochester Sports Foundation is beginning its search for Hruska’s replacement immediately, with plans of having his replacement in by year’s end. A full job description is available at https://rochsportsfoundation.org/news/6876924cae9b381abce6bfc2.
In retirement, Hruska is looking forward to slowing down and enjoying life in Lake City. “Grandkids, golf, gardening, coin appraising and travel -- that’s what’s next,” Hruska said.
Reflecting on his decades of impact, Hruska said: “Not everyone can win a tournament, but there’s a winner at every event -- because of the memories made. That’s what I’ll always cherish.”
Through vision, dedication, and a longstanding passion for sports and community development, Ed Hruska hasn’t just organized events—he’s built a legacy.
Media Contact:
Chris Terry
Board President, Rochester Sports Foundation
507-398-5250