STMA News

STMA Virtual Conference

Hundreds of professional sports field managers from across the U.S. and beyond participated in the STMA conference and exhibition held online January 12 – 13, 2021. Attendees heard from top academics and practitioners in a wide range of educational sessions; engaged with leading industry suppliers through the virtual trade show; and met with each other via networking virtual rooms, award ceremonies, and more. All reports indicate that the first ever STMA virtual conference was a resounding success.

Congratulations

NESTMA past president Ben Polimer was recognized with the President’s Award for Leadership at STMA’s 2021 conference. Ben, along with a number of other industry leaders, volunteered his time to help develop STMA’s Route to Recovery series – a resource designed to help sports turf managers meet the challenges of the pandemic including specific strategies for re-opening after lockdown.

Spring Renovations

Spring field preparation may look a little bit different for 2021. Cancelled fall sports seasons may have been moved to the spring, reductions in labor may have upended winter and spring field preparations, and budget reductions may require you to be creative with your resources. STMA members Steve Bush, CSFM, Clark Cox, CSFM, Eric Holland, CSFM, Chad Price, CSFM, CFB, and Scott Thompson, CSFM have developed a Field Renovation Guide to help you make decisions about if your field needs renovations and what kinds of renovations may be necessary. The guide details maintenance practices, irrigation and drainage solutions, infield skins and mounds, as well as proper turfgrass establishment.

https://11luuvtufne6f2y33i1nvedi-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/ uploads/2021/01/stma-field-renovation-guide-2.pdf

STMA 2020 Field of the Year Winners

Every year, STMA presents the industry’s highest honors to members who manage baseball, football, soccer, softball and other sporting playing surfaces at the professional, collegiate, schools (K-12), and parks and recreation levels. The 2020 winners are:

PROFESSIONAL

Baseball – Smokies Stadium (Sevierville, Tenn.): Eric Taylor, Head Groundskeeper

Soccer – New York Red Bulls Academy Field (Whippany, N.J.): Zach Holm, CSFM, Manager, RBTF Operations

COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY

Football – Bobby Bowden Field at Florida State University (Tallahasse, Fla.): Chris Denson, CSFM, Athletic Turf Superintendent

SCHOOLS AND PARKS

Baseball – Ray Cipperly Field at Middlesex County Vo-Tech School District (East Brunswick, N.J.): Keith Fisher, Grounds Foreman

Football – Walsh Field at Pace Academy Riverview Sports Complex (Mableton, Ga.): Daniel Prince, Sports Complex Facility Manager

“2020 has been a trying year for everyone, and sports field managers were forced to adapt and find innovative ways to ensure high-quality field conditions for all athletes,” said Kim Heck, CAE, CEO of STMA. “Each of our winners displayed a commitment to excellence while upholding the unwavering commitment of STMA members to field safety and playability.”

A panel of 14 judges independently scored entries based on playability, appearance of surfaces, utilization of innovative solutions, effective use of budget and implementation of a comprehensive agronomic program. Winners received a plaque, were recognized at the virtual STMA annual Awards Banquet, and featured in a 2021 issue of SportsField Management, the official monthly publication of STMA. •