MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ON
JASON DRUMMOND Head of Athletic Grounds Amherst College Amherst, Massachusetts Turfgrass Management University of Massachusetts
How did you get your start in the sports turf industry? I began in golf course maintenance on Cape Cod in high school and eventually worked my way up to Superintendent at a course in Northampton, MA. As our family grew, I switched career paths to sports turf management at Springfield College (Springfield, MA), where my first assignment was the softball field. There I was able to put my own spin on things, such as making a design on the infield with the chalk liner or painting a logo free hand. Where did you go from there? At Springfield College they assigned me to the baseball field as well, and eventually the athletic department had me taking care of all the outdoor athletic facilities. As part of the school’s athletic construction master plan, all of the fields were to be converted to synthetic turf, which was not of interest to me. When the opportunity presented itself, I secured the position of Head of Athletic Grounds at Amherst College which allows me to work on six natural grass fields and two synthetic fields. Who helped you the most when you first started out in the sports turf industry? My cousin, Steve Guise. A former STMA President, Steve has assisted in the construction of some of the biggest professional athletic fields in the country and was Track Superintendent at Santa Anita Race Track in California. I also admire the work of Ron Dobosz of Wilbraham Parks and Recreation. My kids have played on the Wilbraham fields many times and they are always in fantastic shape. Brett Gawanter at Deerfield Academy is another professional I look up to. His campus and athletic fields are some of the nicest I have ever seen, and Brett’s turf knowledge and background are stellar. What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received? From my parents: “Treat people the way you want to be treated.” Plain and simple! What’s your favorite thing about your current position / responsibilities? I really enjoy working outdoors and getting my hands dirty. And although I don’t have one favorite thing, it’s nice to work every day with people you enjoy. Depending on the season, the crew and I often spend more time together than with our families. Can you tell us about a recent project you’ve been able to complete? During Covid, the focus of our work shifted. College grounds and athletic grounds staff joined forces. It was all hands on deck in order to support the students and the college. What is the next “game-changer” you see on the horizon for the sports turf industry? I see two big game changers: Fraise mowing and synthetic/natural grass hybrid. At Amherst, we plan to start fraise mowing the
20 • New England BLADE • September 2021
