ACCESSING THE ARCHIVES
In this retrospective , we take a look at historic issues of SportsTurf magazine , predecessor to SportsField Management magazine . This time around , we journey back to 1996 .
1996 kicked off by recognizing Steve Wightman , head groundskeeper at Jack Murphy Stadium , as SportsTurf “ Man of the Year .” Wightman ’ s resume at the time including having been a teacher of sports turf management at Cuyamaca College in EI Cajon , California ; member of SportsTurf Advisory Board ; STMA board member , treasurer and two terms as president of STMA ; winner of Hunter Industries ’ Lifetime Achievement Award for his “ contributions to the sports turf management profession and his efforts to promote education and training in the industry ”; and winner of the 1984 Harry C . Gill Memorial Award for his dedication to “ developing and maintaining quality sports turf areas , outstanding ability and commitment to sports turf industry service .”
The February cover story , titled “ Evolution of Super Field ,” chronicled the preparation for the 1996 Super Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium in Arizona . Twelve months prior to the game between the Steelers and Cowboys , the sod was purchased and prepared in the warm climate of Bermuda Dunes , California . In November 1995 , Joe Foster , vice president of West Coast Turf , stated , “ I had roots down eight-plus inches and the Tifway Bermudagrass was thriving . We overseeded
the fields with a blend of perennial ryegrass at a rate of 30 pounds per 1,000 square feet in October .”
The February 1996 issue also introduced Mike Schiller as STMA president . Said Schiller , “ We can only continue to grow and prosper through your active participation . Become a doer , not a sideline observer . You ’ ll get much more out of the organization if you do .”
Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium , Canton , Ohio , was highlighted in the March 1996 issue as the 1995- 1996 Professional Diamond of the Year . The field thrived throughout the 1995 season despite searing heat and high humidity ; a 70-game home Minor League schedule ; 39 amateur games ; and baseball camps for area youth .
SportsTurf magazine ’ s April 1996 edition profiled the Mississippi State University four-year agronomybased degree in golf and sports turf management that required an additional 12 months of experience for graduation . MSU had traditionally offered a Turfgrass Management Program in the department of plant and soil sciences , but changed the program to Golf and Sports Turf Management , added the mandatory co-op program , adjusted the curriculum and designated electives to address the special needs of students . Dr . Mike Goatley , associate professor , worked with Dr . Jeff Krans
42 SportsField Management | December 2024 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com