PROFILE
Photo credit : Mark Skalny Photography
“ I was skeptical because I was an Iowa kid and enjoyed Iowa ,” said Thoms . “ But I went down there and had a great visit . That was a really big turning point for me . I ’ m really thankful to SFMA for the opportunity to put me in that position .”
While at UT for his Masters and Ph . D ., Thoms was involved with turfgrass research and worked for Campbell on the UT grounds crew . UT also enabled Thoms to travel to regional and national meetings .
“ I am extremely thankful to John Sorochan for introducing me to so many people and allowing me the opportunity to present around the world while working for him at UT ,” said Thoms . “ His research and working for him helped shape who I am .”
In 2016 , having completed his graduate studies , Thoms embraced the opportunity to return to his roots at Iowa State as assistant professor and Extension specialist . “ I realized when I went the academic route for grad school that there are only so many positions in the state ,” he said . “ I figured I would probably never get back ; so , I felt really blessed with the opportunity to get back to Iowa .”
Thoms also feels lucky to be able to interact with students , help shape them , and give back to the university that put him in a position to succeed .
“ It also was really fun to work with Dr . Christians until he retired , and now getting to work with his replacement , Quincy Law ,” Thoms added . “ It ’ s rewarding to be able to put your own spin on the program from which you graduated .”
The Iowa State turfgrass program currently has approximately 50 students . Thoms teaches two classes , and also advises graduate students .
“ It ’ s rewarding to work with the students from when they come in and don ’ t necessarily know what they want to do with their life to when they leave and you get to help them with their first job , polishing up the resume or practicing an interview .”
Thoms also praised the ISU athletics field management and intramurals crews for their relationship with the turfgrass department and their openness to working with the students .
“ I feel confident sending the students down there so that they can get that hands-on experience ,” he said . “ We ’ re only so good at teaching students ; they have to have some hands-on experience . The people down there are just amazing to work with . I think that makes our program unique compared to some places maybe where the students don ’ t have those opportunities .”
Thoms is also proud to have played a role in ISU ’ s efforts to grow their own sod for the ISU athletic fields . Growing the sod at the ISU horticulture farm to their own specifications has not only saved money , but has allowed students to being involved in the care and management of the sod .
Thoms — who lives in Huxley , Iowa , with wife Rachel and their children George and Greta — also oversees an active Extension program at ISU , and enjoys the relationships made and built during Extension calls and visits throughout Iowa .
“ I don ’ t love the fact that if I get called , because it means somebody ’ s probably having a bad day ,” he said . “ But I love going in , laying out like a plan , and helping them with a solution . That has been really rewarding for me . I enjoy meeting people , talking with them , troubleshooting or answering questions . It ’ s the people that really drive me .”
GROWTH WITHIN SFMA The people within the association have also driven Thoms — from competing in the first Student Challenge to serving on committees , then the SFMA Board of Directors and now as president of the association .
“ At the very first meeting I was just an undergraduate student , but field managers from established places took the time to shake my hand and listen to me while I introduced myself ,” said Thoms . “ Then I essentially had graduate school set up through one of those meetings and
20 SportsField Management | February 2025 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com