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/739563
FIELD OF THE YEAR 40 SportsTurf | November 2016 www.sportsturfonline.com to surrounded by a better group of individuals than those in the sports turf industry. The positive energy and constant networking to get better day in and day out in unparalleled to the rest. SportsTurf: What are your biggest challenges in providing excellent playing surfaces? And how do you approach those challenges? Hohlbein: The biggest challenges we face are scheduling, communication and weather. I believe these three things go hand in hand. Our fi eld is in constant use from athletic events, band practices, cheerleading practices, commercials, photo shoots, corporate events, concerts, etc. Needless to say all parties involved need to communicate with each other regarding events and maintenances practices scheduled, so that everyone is on the same page. Everyone involved needs to be aware of the repercussions certain events can cause, and what could happen should we get inclement weather. By creating a good line of communication we can then fi gure out timing of certain practices, as well as having a backup plan should something go array. I think it is vital to have face-to-face discussions, as well as having the items discussed formulated into an email, so there is nothing lost in translation. I think this helps give the turf manager an understanding of how to layout his/her schedule to produce the greatest results, as well as giving the client a platform to host their events with both parties understanding how to keep the integrity of the fi eld at its highest level. SportsTurf: What changes if any did you implement for the winning fi eld in 2016? Hohlbein: I think that every year that passes allows for my crew and me to learn what works and what doesn't. This in return helps us educate ourselves on how to grow as turf professionals to create a program that allows us to get better and more effi cient each and every year that passes. We have really ramped up our cultural practices (hollow/solid tine aerifi cation, spiking, deep tine aerifi cation, and Air2G2) in the past few years. We are trying to punch some kind of hole in the ground every 7-10 days during the growing months. This has shown great benefi ts and tremendous results above and below the surface. In return this helps us get through our heavy schedule with a safe and aesthetically, pleasing athletic fi eld. SportsTurf: What's the greatest pleasure you derive from your job? What's the biggest headache?