FIELD OF THE YEAR COLLEGE BASEBALL
Siegel : The construction of the field and age is what sets this field apart from the others on campus . The football and soccer fields are built to USGA specifications . Lupton , however , is 20-plus-years old with a native soil rootzone . It had drain lines added to it years after its initial construction . We have had to learn and adapt when it comes to caring for this particular area . As stated earlier , it also hosts more events and play than any of our other fields . The traffic may not be as aggressive , but the hours it is in use force us to be more creative with our time .
SFM : Also , with three recent wins for three different fields – in three different sports – what does this say about your program ? Siegel : There is absolutely nothing special about what we do compared to other places . I believe that TCU has given us the resources to provide safe surfaces for our athletes . In addition , we have been given the freedom to make what we think are the best decisions in regard to the fields . I can definitely say , without a doubt , that those decisions are not always correct . However , we do our best to learn from our mistakes and move forward .
SFM : Is there anything you would like to say about your crew / staff at TCU and their efforts to continually produce award-winning fields ? Siegel : As I have said before , there is no secret to “ award-winning ” fields . Our goal is to provide the safest surfaces for any athlete who plays on them . We are lucky to have administration that knows we need the right resources in order to reach our goal . That starts with personnel who are knowledgeable and care . Our entire staff takes ownership for what we provide , and it is a point of pride . Also , we are afforded a budget that enables us to do what we need to do while trusting our process . SFM
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