Recent Event

Exploring the Crimson Tide’s Sports Turf Program from the Sports Turf Manager's and Coach's Point of View

The Alabama Turfgrass Association’s 2022 Sports Turf Field Day was hosted by The University of Alabama on July 13th. Whether drawn to the event by the great education program or a desire to go “behind the scenes” at the Crimson Tide Stadium, it was a popular event! Our hosts, Jon DeWitt, CSFM and Drew Charcandy provided attendees with great insight into how they maintained the pristine turf on the Crimson Tide’s playing fields during the first session of the day.

John DeWitt, CSFM, Director of Athletic Grounds, University of Alabama, ironically did not come at his career in the traditional manner, but he grew up around the larger green industry. His dad worked in facilities and grounds at colleges and institutions throughout his childhood and teen years. After completing college, Jon became the full-time grounds keeper at Briarwood Christian School. From there he went to Wesleyan School in Norcross, GA to develop a grounds department from scratch. After seven years at Wesleyan, Jon took advantage of a great opportunity at Georgia Tech in 2007. In 2015, when Alabama had a vacancy in the Sports Turf Manager’s position Jon applied and the rest is history!

Drew Charcandy has been Assistant Director of Athletic Grounds, University of Alabama for three years now. He has worked in the sports turf industry for a total of 15 years. Drew has a wide range of work experience in both sports and golf. He started his career at Helena Parks and Recreation, then moved on to the Birmingham Barons. From there Drew entered the golf world working at Hoover and Vestavia Country Clubs before returning to athletics field at the University of Alabama Athletics.

Following Jon and Drew was a tour of Bryant Denny Stadium. Attendees reconvened in the North Zone Meeting Room for a luncheon keynote presentation from Coach Patrick Murphy, University of Alabama Softball Coach. Not many can say they were there at the origin of a program, having been present from the very inception to where it stands today. And certainly nobody can claim to have brought a program further, and in shorter time, than Crimson Tide head softball coach Patrick Murphy, entering his 23rd season as the program’s leader in 2021.

From a humble start to a national championship, Murphy has taken Alabama to the top of the college softball world. Beginning with his days as an assistant in the first years of the Alabama softball program, Murphy emerged as the face of a team that has grown under his leadership to become one of the most consistently successful programs in the nation. Coach Murphy gave a very inspirational presentation and shared his insight on developing a team and how sports field managers play a role in team sports.

Following Coach Murphy was a round table with Kim Byram (University of Alabama Grounds Manager and former ATA President) and Jon DeWitt, CSFM and Drew Charcandy. Questions were fielded about preparing for the crowds of students and fans during the football season and how maintenance schedules were affected. It was an awesome presentation and thanks so much to our hosts and Kim.