The Professional Football Field Managers Alliance (PFFMA) inducted Dick Ericson into its prestigious Ring of Honor, recognizing a lifetime of leadership, innovation and service to the sports field management profession.
Ericson is widely regarded as one of the foundational figures in modern sports field management. He served as head groundskeeper at Metropolitan Stadium, home to the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings, and continued his leadership through the organizations’ transition to the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome from 1961 to 1981. During a transformative era in professional sports facilities, Ericson ensured that playing surfaces met the highest standards of safety, performance, and playability.
A visionary beyond the field, Ericson was a founding leader and the first president of the Sports Turf Managers Association (1981–1982). His leadership helped unify sports turf professionals nationwide, establishing a collaborative platform for education, research, and the development of industry-wide best practices that continue to shape the profession today.
Throughout his career, Ericson was known not only for his technical expertise and commitment to excellence, but also for his dedication to mentoring the next generation of turf managers. His willingness to share knowledge, elevate standards, and advocate for professionalism strengthened the field management community across the country.
“Dick Ericson’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of our profession,” said PFFMA leader Ken Mrock. “His contributions helped define what excellence in sports field management looks like, and his influence continues to be felt throughout the industry.”
The PFFMA Ring of Honor celebrates individuals whose careers have made a lasting impact on professional football field management. Dick Ericson’s induction recognizes decades of service, innovation, and leadership that have advanced the profession and inspired generations.
SiteOne Landscape Supply acquired Reinders, a family-owned distributor of irrigation, agronomics, holiday and landscape lighting, and landscape supplies with 12 locations across Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas and Minnesota.
With more than 150 years of industry leadership, Reinders is known for its technical expertise, rapid on-site diagnostics, tailored product recommendations and industry-leading service from a team of highly trained professionals.
Together, the companies will build on Reinders’ trusted advisor role with customers, while expanding inventory depth, operational support, and resources designed to help green industry professionals succeed.
“As a very successful fifth-generation, family-owned company, Reinders is well known and respected in the green industry for quality and reliability, a commitment to exceptional customer service and for helping their customers succeed — values we share at SiteOne,” said Doug Black, chairman and CEO of SiteOne. “This acquisition expands our ability to offer the full line of landscape supplies to our combined customers, enhances our presence in the market, and provides an avenue for further expansion in the growing Midwest market. We’re excited to welcome Ann Reinders and the talented Reinders team to the SiteOne family and look forward to working together to serve landscape professionals throughout the Midwest and beyond.”
Reinders evaluated multiple options for its future before choosing to partner with SiteOne, citing shared values, a focus on the green industry, strong resources and capabilities, and a commitment to preserving its legacy. Reinders will continue operating under its established name, maintaining the customer relationships and service model that have defined the company for generations, while leveraging the full resources and capabilities of SiteOne.
“For more than 150 years, we have built a name, a brand and a legacy in the green industry,” said Ann Reinders, vice president of operations at Reinders, who will remain with the business following the acquisition. “While the Reinders family has led the company for five generations, it’s our incredible people who have built the brand. SiteOne is the best partner to continue to further the service excellence and quality products the green industry deserves. I look forward to leading Reinders into our next phase, strengthened by the infrastructure, leadership and people-focused approach SiteOne provides.”
“Joining SiteOne allows Reinders to leverage the strengths of both organizations to provide superior customer service well into the future,” said Craig Reinders, CEO of Reinders, who will move on to lead Spartan Turf Products, the Reinders family Toro distribution business. “The alignment between the core values of SiteOne and Reinders creates a powerful foundation, uniquely positioning Reinders to elevate the level of service and support its customers rely on — now and in the years ahead.”
Customers should continue working with their local Reinders teams as usual while the companies thoughtfully integrate over time.
The Golden Valley (Calif.) FFA Turf Program recently returned from a trip that gave students a firsthand look at careers in the turfgrass industry. Alongside Atwater High School, students participated in this unique experience led by instructors Kevin Magill of Golden Valley HS and Dave Gossman of Atwater HS.
Throughout the trip, students visited top-tier facilities and connected with professional grounds crew members from organizations including the USC athletic facilities, Arizona State University, and Major League Baseball teams such as the Cleveland Guardians, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox, Texas Rangers, Kansas City Royals, Seattle Mariners, and San Diego Padres. Students also had the valuable opportunity to meet with a golf course superintendent from Sun City, gaining insight into the management and maintenance of high-level golf facilities.
“This experience provided students with real-world
exposure to the skills, expectations, and dedication required in the turf industry,” Magill stated. “By interacting directly with professionals, students were able to ask questions, observe advanced techniques, and explore potential career pathways within turf and sports field management.”
Campey Turf Care Systems is celebrating 40 years in 2026, marking the milestone with a special “Open Day,” July 9. Since its inception in 1986, Campey has evolved from a small family business into a respected provider of professional turf care equipment and expertise, trusted by sports venues, contractors, and grounds professionals in the UK and around the world.
Established by Richard Campey, the company’s foundation is built on offering practical, inventive solutions tailored to the real needs of turf professionals.
Reflecting on the company’s journey, Richard commented, “When we launched in 1986, I started off in the northwest of England carrying out contracting work. Over time, customers started asking me if they could buy the machines. The initial machine that I brought to market was the Greenline Coremaster. Four decades on, our drive for innovation and partnership with the industry is as strong as ever. The Open Day will be a fantastic occasion to share this milestone with everyone who has contributed along the way, and our way of saying thank you with the people who have helped make it possible.”
The 40th Anniversary Open Day will highlight the company’s heritage and its continued commitment to developing machinery and practices that support the future of sports turf management.
For more information, or to register to attend the event, visit www.campey40.com