GROUNDS MANAGEMENT
Reagan Field , home to the Murray State baseball team , is a 419 bermudagrass base , but all scheduled games are played on overseeded ryegrass . According to Reimnitz , the baseball field is built on top of the old county landfill and also sits in the bottom of a valley . This has resulted in a field with varying drainage or moistureretention challenges . One standard practice is to apply penetrant wetting agents to help force water through the soil .
“ The field is not the best-draining field ,” said Reimnitz . “ But since I ’ ve taken over , we have not had a single game cancelled due to field conditions .”
Providing a smooth , true surface on infield skins is an extremely important part of daily field preparations . An ABI Force infield machine is used with varying attachments to keep a uniform surface free of debris and imperfections .
Every one of Murray State ’ s athletic fields serves as both practice and game field for the respective sport . The university also hosts all camps and tryouts on those fields , as well as community events and camps for kids .
The football stadium is also home to track and field events , and the grounds team is responsible for all of the hardscapes and structures , which includes cleaning the stadium after each event . The current football field
surface is FieldTurf that was installed in 2015 . According to Reimnitz , the plan is to replace the field within the next two playing seasons . In addition to grooming , the team also conducts annual GMAX tests on the field to ensure field compaction is within NCAA guidelines for field safety . Reports are shared internally and with the school with recommendations to make the field safer .
Murray State ’ s eight tennis courts are kept clean from debris daily and are ready for events at a moment ’ s notice .
“ We are grateful for the incredible partnership and for the hard work of each of our dedicated SSC teammates ,” stated Murray State Athletics Director Nico Yantko . “ Their hard work and dedication help create a transformational experience for our Murray State student-athletes .”
The SSC grounds team also maintains Murray State ’ s landscape grounds , planting beds , tree care and mowing . Landscape and flower color designs are rotated four times per year , and include mums for fall homecoming and spring bulbs spring sports season .
36 SportsField Management | June 2023 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com