Education is Key at M-A-T-E 2019

Photos by Eddie Coutras and Tony Montgomery

“What a great speaker!” and “He needed more time!” were just two of many comments heard in the Expo halls during the 2019 Mid-Atlantic Turfgrass Expo. Virginia Tech professionals pulled together a fantastic education program at the 2019 Mid Atlantic Turfgrass Expo. The speakers and topics were second to none. The only downside to the conference was the media-induced weather hysteria. Fear of a local snow/ice Armageddon forced many to leave immediately after classes ended. That early departure left trade show aisles emptier than we prefer. The Board of Directors and the M-A-T-E Committee are taking a hard look at what can be done to prevent similar results in the future.

Keynote Speaker Dr. Frank Rossi shared valuable turf information.

VTC President Scott Woodward leads off the General Session

Susan Barksdale receives the Friend of the Industry Award posthumously for her father Robert Barksdale. Family friend Joe Hammer shared memories of Robert’s service to the turfgrass industry.

The ever-popular Corn Hole Tournament. The winners were: First Place — Greg Barnes & Jake Teeter, Second Place — Brian Jones & Laine Waitman and Third Place — Charlie Grizzard & Jason Watson

Dr. Mike Goatley congratulates scholarship winner Emeline Daly (VA Tech)

Past President Rick Owens presents the 2018 R.D. Cake Silver Tray Award to Dr. Erik Ervin

Dr. Mike Goatley congratulates scholarship winner Tyler Morris (VA Tech)

Past President Rick Owens presents the 2019 R.D. Cake Silver Tray Award to Dr. Shawn Askew.

Corn Hole Tournament Winners show off their gift cards

Winners of the Turfgrass Flag Challenge: Rodney Taylor ($300); Julia Gordon-Black ($100) and William Milburn ($50)

Nick Hamner is taking a much needed rest after organizing and moderating the 3-day Mechanic’s Seminar

Betty Parker announced her retirement after serving as the Virginia Turfgrass Foundation’s Executive Director since its inception

Once again, the Mechanic’s Seminar was a hit

Virginia Tech Turfgrass students promoted distinctive clothing

Our host city always makes sure we know what is available for our attendees.

Jeff Everhart meeting with a customer at Woodward Turf F arms booths

The American flag was proudly displayed on the Trade Show floor

Shawn Askew and David McCall prepare to announce winners of the WS Bill Connelly Scholarship contest

Kate Sullivan preparing to make a new contact at the McGill Premium Compost booth

Awards

VTC Award: C.D. Prillaman

Lifetime Membership Award: Nick Hamner

R.D. Cake Silver Tray Award (for 2018): Dr. Erik Ervin

R.D. Cake Silver Tray Award (for 2019): Dr. Shawn Askew

President’s Award: Ray Weekley

Friend of the Industry Award: Robert Barksdale (Posthumously presented to his daughter, Susan Barksdale)

Scholarship Winners

Thomas Hutcheson Memorial Scholarship: Tyler Morris (VA Tech)

Thomas Hutcheson Memorial Scholarship: Emeline Daly (VA Tech)

RLCA Scholarship: Ethan Luther (VA Tech)

Robert P. Ruff, Sr. Scholarship: Alexander Kaval (VA Tech)

Robert P. Ruff, Sr. Scholarship: Keri Knott (VA Tech)

Robert P. Ruff, Sr. Scholarship: Connor Gillespie (VA Tech)

Corn Hole Tournament Winners

First Place: Greg Barnes & Jake Teeter

Second Place: Brian Jones & Laine Waitman

Third Place: Charlie Grizzard & Jason Watson