FIELD OF THE YEAR COLLEGE FOOTBALL
SFM : Who were your mentors in the industry and / or what is the best piece of advice you have received ? Christie : My three best mentors are Matt Parrott , Jim Hengel and Roger Inman . I was challenged to put in the work and learn everything I could , surround myself with people who knew more and always soak up the knowledge . The funniest , yet true , advice was , ” No one other than you will know if the back infield arc is 59 ’ 6 ” and not 60 ’.”
SFM : What were the biggest challenges you have faced with the winning field , and how have you approached those challenges ? Christie : The biggest challenge , like many , is the smaller staff with the ever-changing landscape of college athletics . There is never an offseason , and expectations continue to go through the roof . It includes all sports — not just football . Our staff has to juggle all venues and produce top surfaces year round .
SFM : Please tell us about your crew , and anything else you would like us to know about your organization and the fields / facilities that you manage ? Christie : Our staff contains eight individuals , and we maintain all landscapes , hardscapes and athletic surfaces , including seven natural grass fields and five synthetic turf fields . SFM
16 SportsField Management | July 2024 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com