FIELD OF THE YEAR COLLEGE SOCCER
— not work full time. It is very challenging to ensure that everything gets done on the Athletic department’ s requested schedules due to the students being in and out all day. It is imperative that we completely utilize the time that the students are here, and keep the overtime as low as possible while still providing the safest, most aesthetically pleasing fields possible. When our soccer field is finished and the television cameras come on, the final product that everyone sees is done mostly by students under the guidance of Hayes McMullen. This field is often used as a teaching ground for our students to learn how to mow, spray, paint and aerate. Teaching the next generation of sports field managers is very important to me.
I am blessed to have a stellar staff of full-time employees, as well as a great crew of students willing and eager to learn as much as they can. These types of awards are very enticing to our students, as they seem to listen a bit more when discussed. When students walk into my office and see all of our awards, they usually ask tons of questions about each award. The Field of the Year program has helped not only me, but all of my full-time employees as well. Administration listens and is more appreciative when these awards are part of our departments.
– Brandon Hardin, associate director, athletic grounds
12 SportsField Management | August 2025 sportsfieldmanagementonline. com