ADVANCING THE PROFESSION
“ Beyond the invaluable encouragement , the scholarship provided crucial financial support at a time when I had limited resources . The funds enabled me to focus on my studies and research without the added stress of financial burdens , ultimately allowing me to successfully complete my M . S . and Ph . D .
“ SAFE has been making a significant impact in the sports field management industry since its inception . SAFE ’ s commitment to facilitating safe and environmentally friendly sports and recreational fields is crucial , as it directly benefits athletes of all ages and abilities . The organization ’ s shift from an internal focus to an externally focused one demonstrates its dedication to making a broader impact in the communities it serves . It ’ s inspiring for me to see it still going strong 24 years later .
“ As I reflect on my career journey , I am grateful for the support and recognition I received from SAFE early on . The scholarship not only helped me achieve my academic goals but also served as a springboard for my professional success .”
— Andrew Hoiberg , Ph . D ., vice president , R & D / technical sales , Calcium Products ( 2009-10 SAFE scholarship class ).
“ Winning the SFMA scholarship was very meaningful to me , both personally and academically . As a Penn State student , the award not only provided recognition for my four years of hard work , but also reinforced Penn State ’ s valuable contributions to the sports turf community .”
— Alexander P . Steinman , director of grounds for the University of Maryland Athletic Department ( 2010-11 SAFE scholarship class ).
“ Receiving SAFE scholarships has been a tremendous honor and a pivotal milestone in my career . As a threetime recipient , I am deeply grateful for the recognition and support provided during my undergraduate and graduate studies . The financial assistance was instrumental in helping me pay for college , allowing me to focus on my passion for turfgrass research without the burden of financial stress . The SAFE scholarship is recognized as the premier award in the country for aspiring sports field managers and researchers like me . It has significantly enhanced my credibility within the turfgrass industry . Furthermore , many past recipients , who have been equally honored , have gone on to make significant contributions to the sports field management and turfgrass industry .
“ The importance of the SAFE Foundation cannot be overstated . Beyond awarding scholarships , which is vitally important for supporting students and our future industry workforce , SAFE plays a crucial role in advocating for safe sports fields for all . It is a driving force behind promoting research and educational programs that focus on proper sports field management , and raises awareness about the value of a professional sports field manager . Through these efforts , SAFE fulfills its mission of enriching communities by championing safe , sustainable sports and recreation fields for all athletes . The organization ’ s commitment to safety and education ensures that the fields where athletes perform are not only safe but also optimally managed for performance and longevity .”
— Chase Straw , Ph . D ., assistant professor , Turfgass Science , Texas A & M University ( 2010-11 , 2013-14 and 2017-18 SAFE scholarship classes ).
“ Winning the SAFE scholarship was an amazing moment in my career and educational upbringing . To me it wasn ’ t about trying to win any kind of money ; it was about making an impact within the industry and trying to make a name for myself . I have always had a passion for this industry , starting when I was in high school in a turf management program — the very same program I am teaching now . Winning this scholarship felt as good as winning a major sporting event . You enjoy the moment , celebrate with family and friends , then you go right back to it finding new ways to improve and to make yourself better . My advice to anyone coming up in this industry is to never give up on your dreams and always stay positive . You don ’ t get into this industry for the money , you get into it for the passion you have for our sports teams and fields , and because you care about people .”
— Logan Horne , turf management teacher and sports turf manager at Louisa County High School ( 2011-12 SAFE scholarship class ).
“ SAFE scholarships were instrumental in providing me with financial assistance and initiating new connections in the industry . When you are able to put SAFE scholarship recipient on your resume , it sets you apart from other applicants . I truly believe that it helped me acquire some internships and jobs that I otherwise may have been overlooked . Those entry-level positions and internships were vital in getting me to where I am today as an NFL sports fields manager .
24 SportsField Management | June 2024 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com