INDUSTRY EDUCATION
Program , who have served as mentors . In addition , the Arizona State University grounds crew , Kevin Denny ( White Sox ), Glen Aveson ( Dodgers ), Eric Roberts ( Rangers / Royals ), Juan Favela USC ) and others have opened their doors and provided Gossman with knowledge and enthusiasm he can share with his students .
“ Our course involves being outdoors in the fall and focusing on safety and tool / equipment operation ,” said Gossman . “ We then focus on curriculum and turf / field maintenance skills . We utilize the winter on more knowledge base learning followed by turf / field renovation and maintenance skills during the spring utilizing our school athletic fields as a lab . This past year , we have expanded into community projects , with students taking part in community field renovations . All of these have been in partnership with companies such as Toro , West Coast Turf and Garton Tractor .”
With the success of the Atwater High School Turf / Field class , Gossman ’ s goal has been to market and promote the opportunities within the profession to other state and national high school agriculture programs . That includes Golden Valley High School , which introduced the course in 2023 and has grown to two sections and more than 70 students in only its second year .
“ I was excited to learn about the opportunity Dave has brought to Atwater High ’ s FFA program and now its expansion to Golden Valley High School ,” said Kristina Gardner , recreation supervisor for the City of Atwater . “ As a former t-ball player , an Atwater High alumnus and a mother of three children who have played at Osborn Park , partnering with Dave and his class to enhance the maintenance of the fields was a natural fit .
“ Sports play a significant role in our lives , yet many do not realize the extensive work involved in maintaining fields to ensure they are safe and aesthetically pleasing ,” Gardner added . “ During my discussions with some of the high school students who participated in the work , it was evident that
they were thrilled to gain valuable hands-on experience . The availability of a turf education program in our local area is remarkable . In my opinion , we need more hands-on experiences such as this class to continue supporting the next generation .”
Said Gossman , “ I am a big believer that if you get a high school student confident and excited in something , they will do what it takes to pursue and do it . That ’ s my goal as an educator within this career opportunity .” SFM
Note : On January 14 , 2025 , from 12:45-1:45 p . m . at the SFMA Conference in Palm Springs , California , Gossman , along with Marc Moran , Chandler Neal and Lati Sehon , will present “ iCEV Workshop – Expanding Turfgrass Courses In High Schools with SFMA Curriculum and Certification .” This presentation will showcase the development and expansion of high school turf / field programs within agriculture education ; the introduction of new SFMA high school curriculum and industry certification through iCEV ; and the vision moving forward to expand , strengthen and expose high school students to the industry and as an industry pipeline for future employees / leaders within the turf / sports field profession . sportsfieldmanagementonline . com December 2024 | SportsField Management
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