SportsTurf

March 2017

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.

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42 SportsTurf | March 2017 www.sportsturfonline.com FOUNDERS AWARDS STMA's top honors, the 2016 Founders Awards, were presented at the Annual Awards Banquet January 27. These awards are given in a 'surprise' presentation to those who exemplify the leadership traits of each founder. The four founders are Dick Ericson, George Toma, Dr. William H. Daniel (deceased), and Harry C. Gill (deceased). STMA's highest honor, the Harry C. Gill Award, was awarded posthumously to Darian Daily, Cincinnati Bengals. Harry "Pops" Gill exemplified this commitment by ensuring a still-young STMA would grow successfully as an organization for the betterment of all sports turf managers. Darian exemplified Harry's commitment. This was the first time STMA has given a Founders Award posthumously. Few people have had an impact on the profession like Darian Daily. He was generous with his time, open with sharing ideas TOAST TO THE LATE DARIAN DAILY HIGHLIGHTS AWARDS NIGHT T he Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) enjoyed record-setting attendance in late January at its 28th annual Conference & Exhibition in Orlando, with 1,300 attendees from 18 countries joining more than 175 exhibitors to connect with one another and strengthen the industry. The 4-day event included the popular "Seminar on Wheels" tours to various professional, collegiate and youth sports complexes in the Orlando region. In addition, STMA offered more than 60 educational sessions, 8 hours of trade show exhibits, plenty of time for networking, and the association's annual business meeting. SAFE, the association's charitable foundation, raised more than $45,000 during the Conference through its golf tournament, "Night of Bowling" and silent and live auctions throughout the week. Next year's event will be held in Fort Worth, TX January 16-19, 2018; future sites include Phoenix in 2019 and West Palm Beach, FL in 2020. and was a true professional. He was dedicated to his job at the Bengals, to his chapter, to the STMA, and above all, to his family. His memory will live on in all the things he touched— in so many articles, presentations, informational resources and most significantly, in people. Darian passed away unexpectedly in August 2016. He was very active in STMA, previously serving on its Board of Directors and numerous committees. Last year's winner, Dr. Mike Goatley, Virginia Tech University, presented the award, and the entire membership accepted it on Darian's behalf with a toast. Attendees were invited to raise their glasses and say, "cheers"—the typical way that Darian signed his emails and ended conversations—to honor all that Darian did for the industry. STMA's highest honor, the Harry C. Gill Award, was awarded posthumously to Darian Daily, Cincinnati Bengals. Tom Nielsen, center, of the Louisville Bats, won the Dick Ericson Award, presented by the 2015 winner, Michael Buras, CSFM, Longwood Cricket Club, left, and founder Dick Ericson, right, the award's namesake. STMA IN ACTION News from the Sports Turf Managers Association

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