FIELD OF THE YEAR COLLEGE SOFTBALL
We all have budgets and bosses , but we all have the ability to make our own decisions to some extent . I love that freedom ; I get to own all the successes and the mistakes .
My career path started in lawn and landscape , which led to going to the local golf course as part of the grounds staff . It was at the golf course that I was first introduced to real turfgrass and grounds maintenance . I knew it was for me when I didn ’ t dread going to work each day — even the early morning starts that golf requires . Knowing I liked the idea of working in grounds , I decided to move into the Minor League Baseball world ( Peoria Chiefs and Clinton Lumberkings ) where I worked as the assistant in Peoria , and head groundskeeper in Clinton . From there , I moved to Florida and eventually took over a head groundskeeper position for the MLB Baltimore Orioles overseeing their spring training fields . In total , I spent about 14 years with the Orioles in Sarasota , Florida . During that time , I also took on independent consultant jobs , and acted as a subcontractor for other professional baseball teams in the area building pitching mounds and assisting in the renovations of high school / small college playing fields . At that same time , for five NFL seasons I worked part time on the weekends in the fall / winter months helping take care of Raymond James Stadium — home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and University of South Florida Bulls . It was during that part-time “ gig ” that I realized I liked the ability to go between different sports . Baseball was beginning to burn me out , so the ability to help on the NFL football field , as well as independent consulting projects , helped keep me
motivated . After 14 years in Florida , my wife and I decided to move our growing family back closer to home in central Illinois where we both grew up to be able to see family more . I was very fortunate to take over as superintendent of athletic grounds for the University of Illinois . I was at a point in my career that I felt there was a greater need to be at home and present in my family ’ s lives . I had been able to move to different states and chase my career dreams , so I was happy to settle down in a more balanced work / life schedule . I ’ m not sure if this is the final chapter of my career , but I ’ m enjoying more family time and less stress .
SFM : Who were your mentors in the industry and / or what is the best piece of advice you have received ? Thomas : There have been a few people along the way who have helped shape my career . Travis Williams gave me my first chance at working in a grounds maintenance environment on the golf course . He helped open my eyes to all the preparation and basic skills involved in routine grounds work . Another influence in my career was Noel Brusius ; he allowed me to make numerous mistakes on his baseball field for the Peoria Chiefs while I began to see the dedication it took to produce a professional-level playing field . It was in Peoria that I learned to “ embrace the grind ” of a full Minor League Baseball season and all that comes with it . I owe a lot to Noel for sticking with me when I was very raw but eager to learn . In Florida I was introduced to an independent consultant , Dan Morgan , who worked with me while I was the manager of field operations for
14 SportsField Management | June 2024 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com