In the 7th episode of Grass Clippings, Crystal travels to Avista Stadium in Spokane, WA, for a site visit with Tony Lee, the Director of Grounds.

Tony shares his experiences and insights on turf management, particularly focusing on the transition to new grass and the benefits it has brought to the stadium. He discusses the challenges faced with the previous native soil field, the improvements made with the new turf, and the importance of teamwork and passion in maintaining a successful field. The conversation highlights the significance of partnerships in the industry and the therapeutic nature of working with live grass.

Takeaways

• The transition to new turf has significantly eased maintenance.
• Proper drainage and soil preparation are crucial for a successful field.
• Tony's passion for turf management developed from a chance encounter.
• Teamwork and flexibility are essential in turf care.
• Players and fans appreciate the quality of the field.
• Compliance with MLB standards is vital for stadium operations.
• Mowing grass can be a therapeutic and rewarding experience.
• Successful turf management requires good seed and knowledgeable people.
• Building strong partnerships enhances the quality of turf management.
• The artistry of turf management is recognized and valued.

In the 6th episode of Grass Clippings, host Crystal Rose Fricker interviews BJ Thomas, grounds foreman at the University of Georgia. BJ shares her inspiring journey from being a college athlete to becoming an award-winning turf manager. The conversation covers the hard work and dedication required to maintain elite sports fields, the importance of mentorship and teamwork, and the challenges faced in turf management. BJ also discusses her experiences with Pure Seed products, the balance between work and education, and offers valuable advice for women in the turf industry.

Takeaways

• Jack Turner Stadium awarded the Sports Field Managers Association Softball Field of the Year
• BJ emphasizes the hard work and dedication required to maintain elite sports fields.
• Mentorship plays a crucial role in BJ's career development.
• Planning and routines are essential for effective field management.
• BJ shares her experience dealing with unexpected challenges in turf management.
• Managing stress is important for effective leadership in high-pressure situations.
• Behind-the-scenes work is vital for maintaining beautiful fields.
• BJ's transition from athlete to turf manager highlights the importance of passion.
• Pure Seed products have proven effective in BJ's field management.
• Networking and support are key components in the turf industry.

In this episode of the Grass Clippings podcast, Crystal interviews Ava Veith, a former Virginia Tech soccer player and current graduate student researching field safety for athletes. Ava is also a former recipient of the Bill Rose Foundation travel scholarship to Pure Seed's Field Day.

Ava shares her journey from being an athlete to pursuing a career in turfgrass management, discussing the importance of research in improving athlete performance and safety. She emphasizes the value of networking within the turf industry and offers advice for aspiring students looking to enter this field.

Ava's passion for turfgrass and her commitment to making a positive impact on the industry shine throughout the conversation.