Between the Lines
Turf Management is a Family Matter for
MADISON MANOS
The
Pennsylvania turf family welcomes new board member Madison Manos to the KAFMO Board of Directors this year. But while she may be new to the board, her involvement with KAFMO goes all the way back to a high school internship with Dan Douglas and the Reading Phillies, followed by a four-year degree in Turf Science at Penn State. Madison is currently the Head Groundskeeper for the Hempfield School District. A recent conversation with her made it clear that turf management is truly a family affair for Madison Manos and evidence that the new generation growing up in the profession has an eye to the future.
Madison on the field
this day, opened her eyes and made her realize the many career options that lay before her. Madison completed a wide variety of internships in order to explore those options and then worked briefly in landscaping after graduation. All of these experiences prepared her for her current role. She is now in sole charge of the grounds and playing fields of the Hempfield School District, which consists of two elementary schools, a middle school, a high school, an administration building, outbuildings, and athletic fields on one large campus.
REWARDING CAREER
When asked what initially attracted her to the field of Turf Science, Madison recalls that her father was an important early influence. A turf professional and golf course superintendent himself, he saw Madison’s two older brothers choose different lines of work. But Madison loved the idea of a job where she could be outside in nature, and he took pride in encouraging her and showing her the ropes. She recalls the moment at a Lancaster Barnstormers game with him when she realized she was much more interested in the turf on the field than in the game itself, and the decision to pursue turf as a career followed naturally from that. When we wonder if her Dad is still involved in her career, she laughs and says that, while they are in close contact, he “only gives wanted advice.”
The job has many positives in her eyes. “I love being outdoors in all weathers, surrounded by the sounds and smells of nature,” she says. “I find it therapeutic.” Another bonus for her is that there is nothing routine or repetitive about her job. “Every day is different — new problems to be solved, new people to meet, new things to learn.” One new project she is particularly looking forward to is building her school district’s relationship with the FFA and KAFMO school outreach efforts. She is working on developing a First Green program of field trips designed to introduce students from local schools to the world of turf. Madison wants young women, who are currently underrepresented in the profession, to know that a career in turf can be very rewarding. “If all high school students are exposed to the possibilities early, the turf profession can only benefit by their interest,” she says.
EXPLORING OPTIONS
CHALLENGES
IN THE FAMILY
Madison Manos especially credits her 2015 internship with the Baltimore Orioles with giving her the self-confidence to pursue her professional future. She says that the example of Head Groundskeeper Nicole Sherry, who remains a mentor and close friend to
Keystone Athletic Field Managers Organization 1451 Peter’s Mountain Road Dauphin, PA 17018-9504 www.KAFMO.org • Email: KAFMO@aol.com
16 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Fall 2021
As in any job, there are also challenges. Madison is the only fulltime groundskeeper at the school district, although she can call on the assistance of maintenance staff. As a young professional in a position of leadership, she is required to wear many different hats
Contact: Linda Kulp, Executive Secretary Phone: 717-497-4154 kulp1451@gmail.com
Contact: Dan Douglas, President Phone: 610-375-8469 x 212 KAFMO@aol.com
