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.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/575944
34 SportsTurf | October 2015 www.sportsturfonline.com THE SPORTSTURF INTERVIEW: CHRIS POWELL, CLEVELAND BROWNS THE INTERVIEW SPORTSTURF: You know a lot of sports turf managers. What are they saying are the biggest obstacles to overcome for them to be successful today? Powell: It always seems to be the addition of minor events and the lack of communication that always seems to come hand in hand with each other. It's that they always assume that it's no big deal from their perspective and that everything will work out. It needs to be expressed that in order for field managers to do their jobs, we must recognize as many variables as possible and become pro- active with a plan that can negate any shortcomings or, just as important, take advantage of the situation. We spend countless hours interpreting weather conditions, we evaluate the health of the grass plants, we forecast the effects of wear and how the field will play, we formulate nutrient requirements and prescribe possible grass-saving applications, and perform cultivat- ing activities to condition the field so that we have the greatest odds for success. That's why we become somewhat irritated when something as easy as a quick conversation about an event on the field can alert us to take another variable under advise- ment. The communication not only allows both parties a better chance for success, but demonstrates an understanding and respect for what we do. SPORTSTURF: What are your biggest challenges working in the National Football League? Powell: Well I'm pretty fortunate that I don't have to go at it alone. I've got who I believe are two of the best groundskeepers in all the pro- fession in Neal Pate as the stadium field manager, and Scott Springer, the supervisor at the practice facility. Our facilities are 27 miles apart and any success at either place is depen- dent on these gentlemen and how they handle day-to-day operations. I rest assured knowing decisions are being made by maximizing every possible advantage for the fields' sake and for the goal of always being at our best for our fields, each other, and to the Browns. With this kind of dedication and the time needed to attain the expected results, striking up the right balance on and off the fields with work and family can be tough. There's nothing I love more than family so having my youngest remark some years ago that she could just watch football on TV to see her daddy, really opened my eyes. It's not just good enough to take the time when it's available, but rather you have to learn to make the time to spend with your family. It will make you not only a better husband or Editor's note: This month in "The SportsTurf Interview," we feature Chris Powell, head groundskeeper for the Cleveland Browns. Chris Powell, head groundskeeper, Cleveland Browns It needs to be expressed that in order for field managers to do their jobs, we must recognize as many variables as possible and become proactive with a plan that can negate any shortcomings or, just as important, take advantage of the situation.