SportsTurf provides current, practical and technical content on issues relevant to sports turf managers, including facilities managers. Most readers are athletic field managers from the professional level through parks and recreation, universities.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/126035
Facility&Operations | By Gerald Landby The making of a "champion" turf manager W HAT DOES IT MEAN for an organization to recognize people with honors and awards? How does one get noticed or worthy of such attention? I look at the honors and awards I have received and ask a similar question. What did I do to deserve such attention and be recognized as among the best in the industry? I don't see myself as any more special than another person just as deserving. When I take the time to look at my colleagues who have been recognized and honored I realize there is often a story to share. All stories are varied but it may be a story of humbleness, personal struggle, possibly even the story of a champion. Likely, several factors are involved. Usually it is a story of someone that stands out by not standing alone. Champions aren't ahead of others because of personal achievements. It is others that help them become champi- 14 SportsTurf | May 2013 ons, much like an athletic team. People that help champions might be an association you belong to, a community, a church, a family, a college or university, business, a place of employment. People are there to help nurture and encourage those willing to make the commitment. These champions are noticed by organizations and associations as leaders whom their members can appreciate and strive to be more like. Being a champion is nothing about being better than the next person, nor even necessarily the best or most knowledgeable person in the industry. A champion is compassionate not only about one's self in what they do in life, family, community, and career but also compassionate about others and their lives. Such a person likely would have strong values, see and appreciate education and training, and have a good sense of humor. Champions may be certified in the many programs seen in organizations but not necessarily; certification programs are a good idea regardless. Champions may or may not have a post-high school degree. They often believe helping others will improve the industry for everyone. Champions are looked to as mentors and often serve as mentors to people in the industry of all ages. I see champions in the numerous associations in which I am involved. Many of you are champions and good leaders. MY STORY I wasn't an exceptional student. I had average grades but did well in things that I had developed an interest or passion for. I had to learn as I went along in life and career; today I continue to learn. I had my personal struggles like many others. I do have a challenge that has been part of me all my life, severe bilateral hearing loss, but I don't see that making me different or more obligated than others. The hearing loss challenges me in ordinary conditions and much more in abnormal situations but the disability has never dampened my desire to learn or help others in the green industry profession. I am from in a small town in northwest Minnesota called Crookston and stayed close to my roots in attending the University of Minnesota-Crookston. After 2 years, I received my associate degree in landscape, turf, and grounds. I followed my dream and moved my family to the Big Sky Country of Montana. I attended Montana State University in Bozeman, earning my bachelor's degree in landscape management. Before I moved to Bozeman, I was hired sight unseen by the grounds crew supervisor. It was my first opportunity to work for a large grounds keeping operation. I worked there for several years; eventually I was employed full time working all aspects of grounds operations. Upon approaching my graduation date, I seriously considered a master's degree. I had a professor actively pursuing me and want- www.sportsturfonline.com