www.stma.org May 2014 | SportsTurf 37
ST: How did you get your start in turf management? What
was your first job?
Jones: I have worked on athletic fields in the Park Hill School
District for 15 years. I started working here as a summer job but it
eventually led to me managing a high school sports complex.
ST: What practices do you use to keep your infield skin in
peak condition?
Jones: My infield skin is red shale; before the season I
apply calcite clay and nail drag it into the top ¼ of an inch.
During the season I lightly nail drag, field broom and apply
moisture to it as needed.
ST: What changes if any are you considering or implementing
for the winning field in 2014?
Jones: This year I would like to redo the bullpens by add-
ing clay bricks to the pitching rubber and home plate area. It is
my goal every year to try to do something new, such as a new
logo, landscaping around the field or anything that will improve
the field/facility.
ST: How do you see the Sports Turf Manager's job changing
in the future?
Jones: In the future I see the sports turf manager's job
becoming more professional and more concerned with safety of
the student-athletes. ■
• 1977 B36000 Ford tractor
• John Deere 2653A Triplex
Reel mower
• John Deere Tx turf Gator
• 6 foot Aerway aerator
• McLane edger
• Earthway broadcast
spreader
• Echo backpack blower
• Homemade nail drag
• 7 foot wide infield finish
broom
• Aerosol field marking
machine
• Tamper
• Backpack Sprayer
• Field laser painter
• 2-30 inch field rakes
• 4-loop hoes
• 2-24 inch brooms
• Barrowed-Turfco Sod cutter
STMA would like to thank
Carolina Green, Ewing,
Hunter Industries and World
Class Athletic Surfaces
for their continued support of
the Field of the Year Awards
Program.
Equipment List
