FIELD OF THE YEAR COLLEGE SOFTBALL things right, it’ s hard to do the big things wrong. For example, repairing and leveling out the bullpen. It’ s a little thing we do every day, and those tasks become habit. Focusing and not skipping steps to speed up the process translated into the field mound being the best it has ever been.
SFM: Please tell us about your crew, and anything else you would like us to know about your organization and the fields / facilities that you manage? Thomas: The crew at Jack Turner this past season was comprised of two full-time employees and five to six part-time student workers. Among the eight of us, we manage the softball field and two soccer fields. With both sports practicing and competing at the same time in the same season, it can be difficult to balance it all. Having someone like Zac Townsend to help me get through the day is crucial. Over the past two seasons, we have developed a relationship where we can read each other’ s minds and know what the other is thinking for that next step. Working alongside Zac makes the long hours and late nights worth it. Our bosses, Matt Hollan and Ethan Kain, have set that example for us. Matt and Ethan lead by example in all that they do. They are among the most knowledgeable in the industry, and to be able to learn from them is icing on the cake. Having that example set from top down helps the overall outlook on the job that we do.
SFM: Can you share a bit of insight into what the Field of the Year application process was like for you, as well as any tips you might have for other sports field managers? Thomas: The Field of the Year application process was lengthy to say the least. It challenged me to learn the history of the field and how things were built more than 20 years ago. One of the best tips I can give other sports field managers about the process is a tip that a former Field of the Year winner gave me: document everything and be very detailed. Take pictures of the good, the bad and the ugly. People want to see the“ glow up” that your field has, as well as the challenges you’ ve overcome. If you try something new and fail at it, document that; it’ s a good lesson.
14 SportsField Management | April 2025 sportsfieldmanagementonline. com