SAFE SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANT WINNERS
SAFE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Dr. James Watson Graduate Scholarship, presented by The Toro Company: Ava Veith, Penn State University
SAFE Graduate Scholarship: Faishal Khan, Washington State University
FOUR-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Dr. James Watson Undergraduate Scholarship, presented by The Toro Company: Evan Dupuis, Purdue University
SAFE Undergraduate Scholarship: Benjamin Kuiters, Iowa State University
SAFE Undergraduate Scholarship: Dante Filadoro, University of Massachusetts Amherst
TWO-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Dr. Fred Grau Memorial Scholarship: Kaleb Meredith, Penn State World Campus
Dr. James Watson Undergraduate Scholarship, presented by The Toro Company: Aubree Faulkner, Michigan State University
Paul Zwaska Scholarship Winner, presented by Beacon Athletics: Victor Abarca, University of Florida
Darian Daily Memorial Scholarship Winner: Paige Wildt, Southeast Missouri State University
SAFE GRANT WINNERS
Gary Vanden Berg Internship Grant: Benjamin Kuiters, Iowa State University
Leo Goertz Membership Grants, presented by Pioneer Athletics: Alan Holland, MBA, Town of Walkerton Rex Zemke, Wausau Schools
SAFE FOUNDATION EVENTS
SAFE CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT Monday, January 19 10 a. m.- 1 p. m.
Omni Hotel- Fort Worth Ballroom 1-4
Cornhole is back! Grab a partner and join us for the SAFE Foundation Cornhole Tournament – fun and friendly competition that supports scholarships, grants and research in the sports field management industry. Enjoy networking, prizes, and camaraderie while helping advance the mission of the SAFE Foundation.
SAFE BOWLING TOURNAMENT Monday, January 19 6- 9 p. m.
BowLounge – Downtown Fort Worth
( Busing provided)
Bring your team or join one for the SAFE Foundation Bowling Tournament- fun and friendly competition that supports scholarships, grants, and research in the sports field management industry. Enjoy networking, prizes, and camaraderie while helping advance the mission of the SAFE Foundation. Advance sign up prior to conference is required.
SAFE LIVE AUCTION Wednesday, January 21 6:30 p. m.
FW Convention Center, Exhibit Hall Entrance Foyer
The SAFE Live Auction has a new day and time! Join us immediately after the SFMA Trade Show closes on Wednesday. The auction and bidding start promptly at 6:30 p. m.— please arrive on time. All proceeds benefit the Foundation for Safer Athletic Fields for Everyone( SAFE), providing student scholarships, grants, internships, and Student Challenge awards that help launch careers and improve field safety nationwide. When you bid, you’ re not just winning great items— you’ re investing in the next generation of sports field managers.
SAFE BIG TICKET RAFFLE DRAWING Thursday, January 22 7:30 p. m. until Awards Banquet
Omni Hotel – Texas Ballroom A-E
You can buy raffle tickets at conference events throughout the week or anytime at Attendee Registration for a chance to win exciting prizes! The drawing will take place at the start of the Awards Banquet on Thursday.( You do not need to be present to win.) sportsfieldmanagementonline. com January 2026 | SportsField Management
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