Behrens Named Director of Rochester Sports Foundation

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Rochester Sports Foundation has named its new director.

A news release says Marshall Behrens has been appointed to succeed longtime Rochester Sports leader Ed Hruska when he retires at the end of the year.

Veteran Sports Official Brings 25 Years of Experience

The statement says Behrens has served as a sports official for more than 25 years, refereeing football, basketball, baseball, and softball at both the high school and collegiate levels. He has also served on the board of Rochester Sports since 2015 and was board president last year, “helping guide the city’s sports tourism strategy and event development efforts.”

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“Ed has left an incredible legacy, and I know I have big shoes to fill,” Behrens said. “My goal is to build on the strong foundation Ed has created through the transformative work he has done and expand the foundation’s ability to generate support for Rochester’s sports facilities and events in new and innovative ways. Rochester’s unique hospitality landscape—where hotels are full Monday through Thursday and open on weekends—creates exciting opportunities to grow sports tourism and bring new energy into our community.”

Rochester Sports Foundation Plans for Next Chapter

According to the news release, Behrens says one of his top priorities will involve strengthening partnerships and finding new ways to fund facility growth and enhancement.

Retiring Director Ed Hruska congratulated Behrens on his appointment, saying, “Marshall recognizes that developing top-tier sports facilities is about more than hosting games—it’s about strengthening community connections and driving long-term impact. He’s already been part of that vision and knows what it takes to keep building on our momentum.”

Hruska, who announced his retirement plans in July, has led the Rochester Sports Foundation since 2019 and previously served as the executive director of the Rochester Amateur Sports Commission for 16 years. That organization is now known as Rochester Sports and has a mission of attracting and administering amateur sporting events in the Rochester area.