Assembling our Accessing the Archives section each month gives me the chance to learn a bit about the history of the sports field management industry while also examining the history of this magazine.

This month felt a bit different, however, as it is the first time I’ ve compiled the archives recap for a year in which I actually worked on the magazine. In this issue’ s archives, we highlight SportsTurf magazine from the year 2001.

SportsTurf went through several editorial staff changes throughout 2001, and if you look at the magazine masthead on the TOC page beginning in August 2001, you will see me listed as Senior Editor( a role I would hold until 2004). At that time, although I as working as lead editor on another of our publications, I also worked for SportsTurf Editor Eric Schroder creating content for this magazine.

And although it’ s more than two decades ago, looking back at those issues from 2001 brought back several memories. I remember that in September 2001 all of our publications became tabloid size, and the content was shifted to shorter, quick-read articles and an emphasis on products.

I also recall that the change was not popular with our readers— nor was the switch to the magazine’ s cover format. For some reason, the decision was made to show zoomedin pictures of athletes on the cover

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( often with very little of the playing surface shown).

The September 2001 cover caused controversy right off the bat, because the photo chosen showed an outfielder leaping for a catch in front of an outfield fence. The problem was that the fence featured busted-up wooden slats woven through chain link, which was clearly not representative of desired industry standards.

I also remember being sent on an in-person assignment the day after the 9 / 11 terrorist attacks and feeling odd about talking to someone about new field lights when my mind was clearly elsewhere.( Side note, the October 2001 issue for all of our publications featured nothing but the American flag and the headline of“ September 11, 2001.”)

SportsTurf moved away from the athlete-centric photos a few months later, but it took several years to redesign the entire magazine again and shift back to a standard format. And although I was tangentially involved with SportsTurf after 2004, the bulk of my focus shifted to other publications for more than a decade.

I have fond memories of the people with whom I worked in the early 2000s. Most of all, looking back on those issues made me realize the lessons I learned as a young editor, and the efforts I’ ve made since to try to make anything I write or edit just a little bit better.

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