FIELD OF THE YEAR
www.stma.org March 2017 | SportsTurf 41
Sod Solutions serves
two FOY winners
Highlighted in this year's STMA Field of the Year winners are
three Sod Solutions' turfgrass varieties: Latitude 36, RPR
and HGT.
For the second time, Kevin White, athletic field manager
of Merlo Field at University of Portland has received the
honor for his soccer field that features HGT and RPR.
"We incorporated HGT and RPR into a comprehensive
seeding program designed to improve our wear tolerance,
recovery and decrease pesticide dependency." said White.
"HGT and RPR are helping us achieve those goals while
delivering safe, high quality fields to our students."
"I'm overly pleased with the performance of Latitude
36," said 2016 winner Anthony DeFeo, CSFM, head
groundskeeper for the Tennessee Smokies. "Its cold
tolerance has helped us get through some harsh Tennessee
winters and it is easy to manage in the summer months,"
DeFeo said.
A panel of 11 judges independently scores Field of the
Year entries based on playability, appearance, utilization
of innovative solutions, effective use of budget and
implementation of a comprehensive agronomic program.
Latitude 36 was developed by the turfgrass-breeding
program at Oklahoma State University and is a top rated
NTEP bermudagrass. With resistance to spring dead spot,
Latitude 36 is one of the most cold hardy bermudagrasses
on the market.
HGT, Healthy Grass Technologies, is an improved seeded
bluegrass that stands up to its name by demonstrating
unmatched toughness and disease resistance. HGT was
developed in harsh climate conditions to specifically withstand
diseases, pests and traffic.
The Field of the Year Awards program is made possible by the support of sponsors Barenbrug USA,
Carolina Green Corp., Ewing, Hunter Industries, and World Class Athletic Services.