INDUSTRY NEWS
Added Vinai Venkatesham , Arsenal ’ s chief executive , “ This is a celebration of what ’ s been achieved for women in sport , but also serves as a reminder of the work we need to do together to ensure more young girls are encouraged to break into the game . It ’ s important we continue to build on these moments to inspire the next generation and accelerate the sustainable growth of the game .”
— Article provided by GMA .
Peppers wins Musser Award of Excellence
The Musser International Turfgrass Foundation selected John Peppers , Ph . D ., as its 2024 Award of Excellence recipient .
The award is given to outstanding Ph . D . candidates who , in the final phase of their graduate studies , demonstrated overall excellence throughout their doctoral program in turfgrass research .
Peppers received his B . S . in turfgrass science and M . S . degree in turfgrass weed science at Auburn University under Dr . Scott McElroy . His research at Auburn focused around potential turfgrass uses with pinoxaden ( Manuscript herbicide ). He went on to earn a Ph . D . in plant pathology , physiology and weed science with a concentration in turfgrass weed science from Virginia Tech ( VT ) under Dr . Shawn Askew .
While at VT , he worked as a graduate research assistant , as well as the field trial manager for Dr . Askew ’ s lab . His dissertation was titled , “ Evaluation of novel techniques to control annual grasses in intensively managed turfgrass systems .” His Ph . D . research centered around the implementation of herbicidal programs and application technologies for annual bluegrass , crabgrass and goosegrass control on and around golf course putting greens .
Peppers has already published 14 peer-reviewed research papers from his M . S . and Ph . D . projects , and has five more currently in draft or under review on the topic of turfgrass weed science . He is an author of more than 50 scientific abstracts and has given approximately 60 research presentations nationally and internationally . He plans to focus his career on providing practical , research-based solutions for turfgrass managers .
“ I am extremely honored to receive the Musser Award of Excellence ,” said Peppers . “ I have long admired many of the previous winners as these are some of the biggest names in turfgrass research . I am humbled to be mentioned among such a prestigious group . This achievement would not have been possible without the constant support of my wife Cynthia , my family , my fellow graduate students , and Drs . Shawn Askew and Scott McElroy .”
Turface Athletics announces All-Star Distributor Awards winners
Turface Athletics recognized the winners of its All- Star Distributor Awards . The awards were delivered at various events .
The Grand Slam Growth Award , which goes to the highest volume growth in each of their five regions , went to Corbin Turf , WS Connelly , Advanced Turf Solutions ( ATS ), BWI and SiteOne .
The Ace Award , which honors individual growth , went to Chris Ball , Ewing ; Derik Cataldi , W . S . Connelly / Landscape Supply ; Brian Winka , ATS ; Glenn Lucas , SiteOne ; and Brad Garrison , Ewing .
The Grit Award is all about endurance and steady growth , and is awarded to a second-third tier distributor . This year ’ s winners were Atlanta Athletics ; Seedway LLC ; AgriTurf , Inc ; Mattox Services ; and Sierra Pacific Turf Co . Inc .
The Elite Team Award highlighted the highest growth from a single company nationally , won this year by ATS ( pictured ).
The Legacy Award , awarded to one distributor leader who exemplifies Turface loyalty , went to Frank Lopez of SiteOne .
“ It ’ s important to recognize people on your team who help you achieve success ,” said Jason Lovell of Profile Products , manufacturer of Turface . “ Like an all-star athlete , these distributors and individuals have gone above and beyond , with passion and hard work , and they deserve the spotlight .”
sportsfieldmanagementonline . com April 2024 | SportsField Management
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