John Kmitta Associate Publisher / Editorial Brand Director jkmitta @ epgacceleration . com 763-383-4405

December inevitably feels like the time to wonder where the year has gone and look back on all that has transpired ; and I have been doing a lot of reminiscing lately . My pet project on evenings and weekends is to sift through loads of old family photos and try to finally slot many of them into albums .

The thing about looking back is that we tend to select the best photos — the clear , composed and often selectively posed shots . But it ’ s often the other images that truly tell the story ; those random moments when someone was being goofy or was caught unaware . Maybe they were dancing or eating or talking or laughing — or even sad or perturbed . Perhaps they were even a bit out of focus . Those are the snapshots that truly capture life .

Looking back on 2024 , what are your snapshots ? I ’ m sure there are plenty of “ beauty ” shots , with your field ready for play — properly manicured and freshly painted . Maybe it ’ s a memorable sunset over your field after all the work is done , or that moment just before kickoff under the Friday night lights . Perhaps the best moments were from the SFMA Conference or other regional events , when you had a few minutes to hang out with your friends or industry peers .

But the truly key moments in your year were probably less picturesque . A hot summer night when you were

exhausted after a game , and you knew you would be right back there the next morning . Or perhaps covered in paint or dirt , and wondering if anyone will recognize the effort you just invested .

In last month ’ s issue , SFMA President Sun Roesslein , CSFM , mentioned the term “ burnout ” in her President ’ s Message . And Sun is not the only person I have heard that from in recent months . I get it — the rigors of the job , the long hours , the expectations and scrutiny placed on your work , and the demands on your personal life all take their toll . And I am merely a fly on the wall — the one here to tell your story and chronicle the profession .

For me , 2024 was yet another year in which I met so many amazing sports field management professionals . The kindness and camaraderie extended my way never cease to amaze me . My album of this year is full of new connections , amazing stories and lessons learned .

So , as 2024 winds to a close , I hope you can find the time to step back and reflect on all you have accomplished in the year that has been — even if those moments were challenging , odd , exhausting , frustrating or even a bit of a blur .

Have a safe , relaxing , healthy and happy holiday season . SFM

- John

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SportsField Management | December 2024 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com