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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44 SportsTurf | August 2014 www.sportsturfonline.com Tools & Equipment STMA in Action News from the Sports Turf Managers Association The camaraderie among the sports turf managers isn't the only perk that has the conference buzzing. For Nick Gow, the speakers con- firmed that the sports turf industry was the right path for him. "There are amazing speakers out there," he notes. "The ability to hear several professors talk about topics that interest me and expand my knowledge in the sports turf industry helped significantly." ChANgeS iN The buSiNeSS Over the past decade, the sports turf industry has grown to be a highly visible profession with tremendous growth potential. Things are changing for the better, with rising salaries at top positions and new facilities and field conversions. "The work I see people do (either on social media, newsletters, pic- tures), the quality of work people do blows me away," says Anderson. The industry has secured a spot on the fast track to broader recogni- tion with over $1.29 billion in purchases of sports turf products and services annually, according to University of Missouri's Sports Turf AdvanTage. Technology has also seen a progression within the indus- try, helping sports turf managers' jobs become easier. "It's amazing to look back at the first conference I went to. It's only been 10 years, and there is such a difference and improvement in equip- ment and types of fertilizers," says Slaton. "I can't imagine what the next 10 years will do. Technology is becoming a bigger part." The combination of better technology and a growing industry has helped to better equip fields for use and safety. Nick Gow mentions how the growing industry has provided more opportunities for sports turf managers. "The green industry has really gone from growing grass to upper management of synthetic fields," he says. "It's a growing industry and will continue to grow. I've seen major improvements of high school facilities. The number one goal of a sports turf manager is to provide safe, quality athletic facilities for youth and adults in communities." As the industry has become more recognizable, so have the rewarding aspects of sports turf management. Gow touches on a very important value of being a sports turf manager, and opens up the discussion for how others, such as coaches and players, can make a difference. According to Sports Turf AdvanTage, some of the most rewarding aspects of Sports Turf Management include: appreciation by coaches, players and fans, having a plan come together and seeing fields hold up to heavy traffic. But the biggest draw, mentions Salmore, is the opportunity to work outside and around sports. "Working outside is a big draw," says Salmore. "Working around sports is great." Blank shared in Salmore's enthusiasm claiming that being outside was also his favorite part about working within the green business. The desire to work around a particular sport is also important to some sports turf managers. SCholArShipS Every year, the SAFE foundation awards their scholarships to the most qualified applicants. The applicants are judged on academic preparation, cumulative grade point average, experience in sports turf management, and references provided by student advisers and previous or current employers. They are also evaluated on their contributions to their school, department, and organizations to which they belong, as well as their career objectives. Although GPA is included, the scholar- ship is not focused on the idea of grade point average. "I've recommended applying to scholarships to students and people I know in the industry all the time," says Anderson. "It's not just based on your academic performance and grades. More is taken in account than just your GPA. People think that is what it's all about, so they don't apply." Like any scholarship, the hope is to further encourage the academic success of the individual as well as provide some positive recognition of an individual's accomplishments. Dan Blank discusses how beneficial receiving the scholarship was for him. "[It] solidified everything for me. It made everything real. It was a 'this is it, let's do this' kind of thing," he says. "It was a positive reinforcement and good to have on a résumé." Almost all of the scholars claimed the recognition and having the scholarship on their résumé helped with job interviews. Most of the job interviews eventually landed them jobs in the long run. "[The scholarship] shows that you're dedicated and interested in what you're doing," says Salmore. "It helped on my resume and job interviews. It definitely helped get the jobs that I applied for." The scholarship is also an important introduction to STMA for those individuals interested in the sports turf industry. An STMA membership allows members to access job postings and a leg up on others applying for jobs within the industry. Shawn Mahonski received his current job as Athletic Field Manager at Towson University because of his membership with STMA. At STMA, we make it a SAFE bet that applying for the scholar- ship will be worth it. With the easy application process and long-time benefits, we encourage all individuals planning a career in the sports turf industry to apply. The application process includes simply printing and completing the application and returning it to the SAFE Scholarship Committee. It's as simple as that: just do it! SAFE's goal is to make it as easy as pos- sible to apply for the scholarship. Nick Gow urges those interested to apply and apply every year. The scholars raved at how easy the process was, and mentioned how they recommend it to their interns and stu- dents because it could lead to something bigger and better. "Apply for every opportunity that is out there and take advantage. Most of them lead to somewhere or another opportunity," says Mahonski. Ten years has come and gone, and these scholars are still reminisc- ing about the journey they've had. STMA applauds you and your dedication to the industry. Continuously grateful to our members, the SAFE Foundation and its scholarships would not be possible without the support and donations to help us fulfill our mission to enrich com- munities through championing safe, sustainable sports and recreation fields for all athletes. ■ Kenzie Jay is the SAFE Foundation intern and a University of Kansas journalism student.