Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/137861
wcta12jj--rev 6/18/13 11:57 AM superintendents from some of the finest courses in Alberta and British Columbia visited our school for an open forum Q&A about what life is like as an assistant. There truly are some things you can't learn about in school, Duane Epp (Stewart Creek), Evan Olausen (Silvertip), Mike McKinnon (Priddis Greens), Ryan Cassidy (Heritage Pointe), Adam Champion (Greywolf), and Cameron Watt (Kananaskis) each offered their insights into operations at their respective courses. This year we also benefited from some input by assistants across the border; Pebble Beach Corporation assistants led by superintendent and Olds graduate Jeff Steen provided responses also. Sharing their USA insights into golf course maintenance, the same time were hosting the PGA's AT&T, we must sincerely thank our panel members again from both sides of the border. Our winter semester continued with guest lectures from Mark Jull of Turf Canada, Barry Cochrane of TORO, and Scott Morrison, SJM Consults and founder of Turfhugger.com even Theo Fleury also came to talk about mental health. An incredible success this year was the Olds College turf club, who led the charge to win Olds College's Club Page 1 of the year – the first time the Turf Club has won in 16yrs! Among a long list of fundraising and community service activities, the club has established a scholarship fund as a legacy to the next generation of turf club members for many years to come. We also acknowledge the outstanding support from TORO distributor Oakcreek in Calgary, Mr. Claude Cloutier, Reef Caulder, and the technicians who hosted our diploma students for 2 X 2wk sessions on reel maintenance, sharpening reels and bed knives at their shop in Calgary. Training was 2:1 absolutely incredible support from the best in the business. Lastly, we must thank Mr. Jay Leech, for his exceptional instruction, offering inspirational lectures at Olds College since 2011. Jay recently accepted the superintendent's role on Vancouver Island at Morningstar Golf Club, and although we are sad to see him go, we realize how lucky Morningstar is to have gained another true professional. Jay joins the company of similarly decorated and distinguished superintendents on the Island (But why? Snow mold and ice damage are so much fun!?). Jay's commitment to the improvement of our turf program cannot be understated, we have all benefited shared in the stories and experience from thirty years as a golf course Superintendent. While instructing our turf program, Jay also assisted with the start-up of the Olds College golf team, who narrowly missed nationals in their first season. Jay also helped bring our newest botanical gardens and constructed wetlands project to its completion. With sincerest gratitude, from all the faculty in the School of Environment, we wish Jay the very best as he continues on to Morningstar Golf Club. Until next time Jay, keep it down the middle. Hyde Mountain Gets New Super' Hyde Mountain on Mara Lake Golf Course is happy and lucky to announce that Dave Lister has taken the position as head golf course superintendent. Dave has over 20 years experience as a golf course superintendent and has been in the golf course industry for over 30 years. Dave has come to us from Copper Point/ Ridge golf courses were he was construction and head superintendent for 10.5 years. Dave has had a great reputation for exhibiting high quality conditioning on all projects he has been associated with and we are looking forward to experiencing the same results at Hyde Mountain. He started his career in Turner Valley Alberta working for his brother Bob, and moved to B.C. to help in the construction of the Springs golf course in Radium Hot Springs. Mr. Lister obtained his diploma in Turf Grass Management Technology from Fairview College (88-90) and has worked as construction superintendent on four different projects throughout British Columbia. Dave sat on the board of the BCGSA as the president of the Northern Chapter before moving to Invermere B.C. and starting the Copper Point project in 2002. "Working in the turf grass industry is one of the most rewarding careers available to people who enjoy working with nature and care about our environment." WESTERN CANADA TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 31