FIELD OF THE YEAR COLLEGE FOOTBALL
a spectator from the stands — especially the ground crews prepping for professional baseball games . I think that is when I got the ambition to start out in the field for a career . I got started in college prepping fields for practices , and games at Liberty University . In 2004 I got a part-time job working on the grounds crew of the Erie SeaWolves ( AA-Detroit ) during my summer break . I was able to complete my internship in Erie , and was promoted to assistant head groundskeeper in July 2007 . In 2012 , I took a step out and accepted an assistant groundskeeper position with the Washington Commanders at their practice facility in Ashburn , Virginia . I relocated to Lynchburg , Virginia , in 2016 to be the head groundskeeper for the Lynchburg Hillcats for two seasons , and then I did another brief stint at Liberty University with their sports turf crew before moving to Fayetteville , Arkansas , to work for the Razorbacks .
SFM : Who would say are your mentors in the industry , and / or what is the best piece of advice you have received ? Foor : I have had a lot of mentors along the way : The SEC Turf managers are a tightknit group who are always willing to help each other out . Also , Brandon Schanz ( Erie-UMPC Park ); Lee Kuiters ( Washington ); Brian Hinkley , CSFM ( Liberty University ); and Pat Berger CGCS ( University of Arkansas ). The best advice I received was to be confident and do not be afraid to take risks . All my mentors have been incredibly supportive and have encouraged me to make advancements in my career .
SFM : What are the biggest challenges you have faced with the winning field , and how have you approached those challenges ? Foor : The biggest challenge by far was the wear and tear that the field at Arkansas took from hosting back-to-back events with a Garth Brooks concert and a Top Golf Live event . We knew we had a good chance to recover the field without resodding due to the timing of the concert ( April 23 , 2022 ) and the variety of bermudagrass we use ( Tahoma 31 ). We ’ ve been extremely pleased with Tahoma 31 since we flipped Frank Broyles Field
14 SportsField Management | July 2023 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com