F.O.Y. Field of the Year Ryan Field, Northwestern University
• Level of Submission: College • Category of Submission: Foot-
ball • Head Sports Turf Manager: Randy Stoneberg • Title: Supervisor of Grounds • Education: High School • Work History: I have been em- ployed by Northwestern University since January 1985. Starting as an
entry level worker, I have worked my way up the ladder to Supervisor of Grounds through hard work and long hours. Networking and the STMA has helped me through just about any- thing and everything. • Full Time Staff: Joe Berube and Rich Thorn • Original construction: 1926 • Turfgrass variety: Freedom III
Kentucky bluegrass, Everest Kentucky bluegrass, Award Kentucky bluegrass, NuChicago Kentucky bluegrass, and Low-Mow Grass seed mix. • Rootzone compostion: Sandy loam, 85% sand (using USGA mix) • Overseeding: After every coring or slicing, we overseed with 200 lbs of Low-Mow Blue. Starting 4 weeks be- fore our first football game of the year, we overseed weekly with 50 lbs of Low-Mow Blue, so the seed is germi- nating throughout the playing season. We push extra seed behind each goal post and sidelines on an as-needed basis. • Drainage system: The field itself has a herringbone pattern gravity drainage system on 15-foot centers.
28 SportsTurf | July 2012
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