SportsField Management July 2025 | Page 42

ACCESSING THE ARCHIVES

THIS RETROSPECTIVE DELVES INTO the historic issues of SportsTurf magazine, predecessor to SportsField Management magazine. We journey back to 2003 for this edition of Accessing the Archives.

2003 kicked off with a cover story about Edison Field, home of the World Series Champion Anaheim Angels, in the January issue.

“ One thing we did do that was a little different to me was walk behind mowers and brooms to cut the‘ A’ in center field,” said Barney Lopas, head groundskeeper.“ That was really nice.”

“ We aerate every six weeks,” added Lopas.‘ The soil in this area is easily compacted, which creates real problems with root growth and thatch buildup. Aerating opens up the turf so it can breath and lets nutrients and water reach the root zone. We do a light topdressing with USGA sand after each aeration.”

The February 2003 issue introduced Bob Campbell, CSFM, director of grounds and maintenance for the University of Tennessee, as president of the association for 2003. Campbell had previously served one year as president-elect, two one-year terms as treasurer and a two-year term representing sports turf managers of college and university facilities.

“ I strongly feel it’ s important not only to give back to new members and young people starting off in this industry, but also to support the positive image of the sports turf manager as a professional in an important and worthwhile profession,” said Campbell.

“ I believe our potential for growth as an association is unlimited,” he added.“ There are many in our profession now that are not members, and more positions are being created each year. I want to sec SFMA continue to gain members because individuals see the value in what we’ re doing.”

Slugger Field, home of the Louisville Bats, was the focus of the March 2003 issue as STMA Professional Baseball Field of the Year Award. The article outlined how Tom Nielsen, head sports turf manager, and his crew kept a bluegrass field thriving in the middle of the transition zone despite climate extremes and an average of more than 100 on-field events each year. The March 2003 issue also highlighted Super Bowl XXXVII.“ Getting ready for a Super Bowl is a complex process,” said Ed Mangan, NFL grounds manager for the Super Bowl.“ The turf has to respond to the players. Keep them safe. Help their game. It also has to survive pre-game festivities and half-time performances as challenging as running a herd of elephants through the field.”

In April 2003, SportsTurf magazine highlighted the STMA College Baseball FOY, Raymond H.“ Hap” Spuhler Field, as

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