2026 SFMA Conference and Exhibition
The 2026 Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) Conference and Exhibition was held January 18-22, 2026, in Fort Worth, offering attendees the opportunity to share information with other successful members of the sports field management industry. The sports field management industry’s premier event featured education tracks, networking opportunities, a full trade show, SAFE fundraisers, the SFMA Student Challenge, Seminar on Wheels, and much more.
This year’s keynote presentation featured SFMA leadership, who provided a recap of CEO Paula Sliefert’s “Listening Tour,” as well as an update on the future initiatives and plans for the organization. For full coverage of their discussion points, listen to the related podcast at https://sportsfieldmanagementonline.com/podcast/ or wherever your favorite podcasts are found.
The opening general session “Inside the Pitch: Field Managers’ Perspective on Preparing for FIFA World Cup 2026” provided an inside look at the preparation and operational demands faced by facilities participating in the upcoming FIFA event. The discussion explored key timelines, preparation milestones, and required work, as well as training facility and base-camp design, operational adjustments, and behind-the-scenes challenges. The conversation also examined the long-term legacy of these projects and their impact on sports field management. The session was moderated by John Sorochan, Ph.D., and panelists included Weston Appelfeller, CSFM, Ryan Bjorn, Alan Ferguson, David Graham, Robert Heggie, Ewen Hodge, Tyler Morris, CSFM, John “Trey” Rogers, Ph.D., and John Wright, Jr.
The Women’s Forum Luncheon featured an interactive format designed to spark conversation and connection. Through guided table discussions, shared stories, and built-in time for group exercises, attendees were provided opportunities to network, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships with peers across the industry.
Also during SFMA Conference, graduate students presented project posters highlighting either sports field management industry research or a case study that explains the project’s purpose and significance.
SFMA once again featured the Seminar on Wheels tours during conference week. The full-day Seminar on Wheels toured Toyota Stadium (FC Dallas); Riders Field (Frisco RoughRiders); and Southern Methodist University. The half-day Seminar on Wheels toured AT&T Stadium (Dallas Cowboys) and Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers).
Additional highlights from the SFMA Conference are as follows:
2026 SFMA Board of Directors takes office
The 2026 Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) Board of Directors took office during the association’s Annual Meeting held during the conference. The 2026 SFMA Board of Directors is as follows:
Officers:
President: Alpha Jones, CSFM
Immediate Past President: Adam Thoms Ph.D.
President-Elect: Casey Carrick, CSFM
Secretary/Treasurer: Jason DeMink, CSFM
Commercial Vice President: Matthew Duncan, CSFM
Returning directors:
Director - Academic: Weston Floyd, CSFM
Director - Professional Facilities: Mitch Hooten
Director - Schools K-12: Jake Mays, CSFM
Newly elected/appointed directors:
SFMA proudly welcomed the following professionals to its 2026 board of directors:
Director - Commercial: Adam Russell, LEED AP. Russell brings extensive field operations experience and a strong commitment to professional development and industry standards.
Director - Higher Education: Joe Hill. Hill is recognized for his leadership in sports facility management and dedication to advancing best practices in field performance and safety.
Director - At-Large (appointed): Eric Harshman, CSFM, CGM. Harshman contributes a background in turf systems management and collaborative industry engagement.
Director - At-Large (elected): Ben Baumer, CSFM. Baumer offers strategic insight and a data-informed approach to advancing sports field management outcomes.
Director – Parks and Recreation: Tara Jordan. Jordan brings a strong focus on member engagement and workforce development within the profession.
“These individuals bring exceptional expertise, innovation, and dedication to the sports field management community,” said Alpha Jones, CSFM, president of SFMA. “Their leadership will help drive our mission forward and strengthen the resources and support we provide to our members worldwide.”
Together, the 2026 SFMA Board of Directors will focus on expanding professional development opportunities, enhancing industry standards, and supporting the growth and success of sports field managers worldwide.
2025 Founders Awards
SFMA recognized four distinguished leaders during its awards banquet, celebrating exceptional service, leadership and impact across the sports field management profession. The following individuals were named recipients of SFMA’s highest honors, the Founders Awards:
2025 Dick Ericson Award: Jimmy Simpson, CSFM. Honored for steadfast leadership, strategic stewardship, and long-standing service advancing SFMA at the local, regional and national levels. Simpson’s contributions to governance, financial oversight and professional development have strengthened the association and supported members through periods of significant change.
2025 Dr. William H. Daniel Award: Geoff Rinehart. Recognized for outstanding dedication to education, mentorship, and professional service. Rinehart’s work connecting research, instruction, and field application has helped cultivate the next generation of sports field managers while elevating standards across the profession.
2025 George Toma Golden Rake Award: Jason W. Bowers, CSFM. Celebrated for excellence in field management and for advancing best practices through innovation, environmental stewardship, and professional advocacy. Bowers’ leadership has strengthened operational standards and expanded knowledge-sharing across the industry.
2025 Harry C. Gill Award: Matt Anderson, CSFM. Honored for exceptional mentorship and commitment to developing professionals within the industry. Anderson’s influence is reflected in the many careers he has guided through education, service, and leadership.
“These honorees exemplify the professionalism, service, and vision that define sports field management,” said SFMA President Alpha Jones, CSFM. “Their contributions continue to shape the profession, strengthen our community, and inspire future leaders.”
The annual SFMA awards program recognizes individuals whose achievements advance the quality, safety, and professionalism of sports field management through leadership, education, innovation, and service.
SFMA Student Challenge
The 2026 SFMA Student Challenge recognized outstanding student achievement in sports field management, turf science, and facility operations. The SFMA Student Challenge is presented in partnership with the SAFE Foundation, founding partner Hunter Industries, and supporting sponsor SiteOne Landscape Supply. The annual competition highlights emerging professionals who demonstrate excellence in research, problem-solving, and applied field management strategies. Participants presented comprehensive solutions addressing real-world field management scenarios. The 2026 SFMA Student Challenge winners are as follows:
2-year winning teams
First-place: Mt. San Antonio College, Team 202 —Leonardo Colon-Guembes, Edward Kardish, Tera Gavela and Andres Sanchez
Second place: Penn State University, Team 104 —Jaime Canal Campos, Augustus Holt, Tyler Bechtel and Ernesto Martinez
Third place: Mt. San Antonio College, Team 302 —Mandy Flaig Bernard, Kevin Pulido, Mayra Rubio and Brian Valencia
4-year winning teams
First-place: Penn State University, Team 203 — Wilson Kreitz, Joseph Lofland, Carter Marshall, and Jacob Straw
Second place: Michigan State University, Team 102 — Elijah Delany, Bailey Rank and Zach Flink
Third place: Iowa State University, Team 301 — Matthew Hanten, Benjamin Kuiters, Logan McDonough and Hayden Spore
Winning teams were evaluated by a panel of industry professionals based on technical rigor, innovation, feasibility, and presentation quality. The first-place teams were awarded a $5,000 prize to enhance the educational resources available to students interested in sports field management (either through the creation of an athletic sports field learning lab or for the purchase of athletic-sports-field-specific equipment and products).
“Each year, the Student Challenge demonstrates the exceptional talent entering our profession,” said Sarah Martin, CSFM, chair of the Student Challenge Committee. “These students represent the future of sports field management, bringing fresh perspectives and evidence-based solutions to the industry’s evolving challenges.”
SAFE Foundation Grants and Scholarships
The SAFE Foundation, the philanthropic arm of SFMA, announced the recipients of its 2025–26 grants and scholarships during the SFMA Annual Conference. The awards recognize outstanding achievement, leadership potential, and commitment to advancing the sports field management profession through education, professional development, and industry engagement. Through the generosity of donors and partners, the SAFE Foundation continues to invest in students and professionals whose work and studies strengthen the future of sports field management.
SAFE FOUNDATION GRANTS
Leo Goertz Membership Grants: Alan Holland, MBA, Town of Walkerton; and Rex Zemke, Wausau Schools
Gary Vanden Berg Internship Grant: Benjamin Kuiters, Iowa State University
SAFE SCHOLARSHIPS
Darian Daily Memorial Scholarship: Paige Wildt, Southeast Missouri State University
Paul Zwaska Scholarship: Victor Abarca, University of Florida
Dr. Fred Grau Memorial Scholarship (2-year): Kaleb Meredith, Penn State World Campus
Dr. James Watson Undergraduate Scholarship (2-year): Aubree Faulkner, Michigan State University
Dr. James Watson Undergraduate Scholarship (4-year): Evan Dupuis, Purdue University
SAFE Undergraduate Scholarships (4-year): Benjamin Kuiters, Iowa State University; and Dante Filadoro, UMass Amherst
Dr. James Watson Graduate Scholarship: Ava Veith, Penn State University
SAFE Graduate Scholarship: Faishal Khan, Washington State University
“The SAFE Foundation is honored to support these exceptional individuals whose academic achievement, dedication, and professional promise reflect the future strength of our industry,” said SAFE Foundation Board Chairman Matt Anderson, CSFM. “By investing in education and development, we are building a more capable and innovative sports field manager workforce.”
SAFE Fundraisers
Teams came together for the SAFE Night of Bowling to compete for a chance to win prizes while raising money for the foundation. The top scorer was Derek Hollanitsch with a score of 206. The winning team included Ben Boeding, CSFM, Marcus Campbell, Cody Pamperin, Ed Tietel and Derek Hollanitsch.
The SAFE Cornhole Tournaments offered fun, friendly competition to support scholarships, grants, and research in the sports field management industry. The SAFE Cornhole winning team was Josh Webber and Mason Modjeski.
Newly Certified Sports Field Managers (CSFM)
SFMA recognized seven professionals who earned the Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) designation during 2025. The CSFM credential is a nationally respected standard that signifies comprehensive knowledge of sports turf science, safety protocols, environmental stewardship and operational excellence.
SFMA congratulates the following newly certified professionals:
John Knight, CSFM
Jake Mays, CSFM
Robbie Miller, CSFM
Joseph Romano, CSFM
Doug Trillo, CSFM
Trenton Waters, CSFM
Cole Walker, CSFM
“Earning the CSFM designation demonstrates a deep commitment to excellence in sports field management,” said SFMA President Alpha Jones, CSFM. “These professionals uphold the highest standards of safety, playability, and performance for athletes and communities alike.”
CSFM recipients complete a rigorous certification process that evaluates technical knowledge, professional experience, and applied competencies in field construction, maintenance systems, risk management, and resource optimization. SFMA commended these individuals for their dedication to advancing the profession and enhancing the quality of sports fields nationwide.
Innovative Award winners
The SFMA Innovative Award is given to one or more exhibitors whose innovation has made the sports field manager more effective or the playing surface safer. The winning products were as follows:
SGL for its fLEX testing device
Firefly Automatix, Inc. for its Autonomous Mowing Platform
Ventrac for its EW530 Weedbine
Pure Seed for its STRATIS with ACCe Technology
Minor League Baseball Sports Field Manager of the Year Awards
Winners of the Minor League Baseball 2025 Head Groundskeeper of the Year Awards were recognized during the SFMA Awards Banquet. They are as follows:
Joey Stevenson, Indianapolis Indians, International League, Triple-A Groundskeeper of the Year
Tony Lee, Spokane Indians, Northwest League
Brian Soukup, Salt Lake City Bees, Pacific Coast League
Matt Bergin, Winston-Salem Dash, South Atlantic League
Dan Purner, Somerset Patriots, Eastern League
Caleb Paullus, Birmingham Barons, Southern League, Double-A Groundskeeper of the Year
Sean Cheng, Stockton Ports, California League, California League, Single-A Groundskeeper of the Year
Darrell Lemmer, Augusta Green Jackets, Carolina League
Jason Floyd, Amarillo Sod Poodles, Texas League
Billy Gaylord, St. Lucie Mets, Florida State League
Mitch Hooten, West Michigan Whitecaps, Midwest League, High-A Groundskeeper of the Year
Field of the Year Awards
SFMA presented its 2025 Field of the Year awards, spotlighting the individuals and programs that excelled this year in providing quality, safe playing surfaces. The 2025 Field of the Year winners are as follows:
Baseball - Professional: Equity Bank Park, Wichita Wind Surge - Ben Hartman and Jake Cooley.
Baseball - Collegiate: Louisiana State University, Alex Box Stadium at Skip Bertman Field - Jordan Billingsley.
Baseball - Schools and Parks: City of Bristol Parks & Rec, Muzzy Field - Doug Trillo, CSFM, CPSI, CTTW
Football - Schools and Parks: Windham School District, High School Football Field - Robin Wilson
Football- College: Christopher Newport University, Kelchner Field - Christopher Webb, CSFM
Soccer - Professional: Kansas City Current, CPKC Stadium - Mira Adamek (Emma)
Soccer - College: LSU Soccer Field, Louisiana State University - Jeremy Henderson.
Soccer - Schools and Parks: Walsh Field, Pace Academy’s Riverview Sports Complex - Daniel Prince
Softball - Schools and Parks: Little Rock Christian Academy, Warrior Softball Field - Ryan Smith
Softball - College: Florida Atlantic University, Joan Joyce Field - Max Wadsworth
Sporting Grounds - Schools and Parks: Thomas Dale High School, Ed Karpus Field - Bryan Sheetz.
SportsField Management magazine Rising Star Awards
Winners of the 2025 SportsField Management magazine Rising Star Awards were also recognized during the awards banquet. These awards highlight the best up-and-coming leaders in the sports field management industry. 2025 Rising Stars who were in attendance received their awards and joined SportsField Management magazine Associate Publisher John Kmitta (above center) on stage for a photo opportunity. The 2025 Rising Star Award winners are C.J. Buck, Harrell’s (far left); Justin Danelutt, City of Oxford, Alabama (second from left); Marcus Elswick, University of Kentucky Athletics (second from right); Mira Adamek, KC Current (far right); and Gage Knudson, Los Angles Football Club (not pictured).
National Turfgrass Science Invitational
During SFMA Conference, the National Turfgrass Science Invitational (NTSI) was held in conjunction with the national FFA competition at Texas Christian University. The event brought together 18 teams representing 72 students from 9 states for a comprehensive evaluation of technical turfgrass knowledge, practical skills, and industry readiness.
Participants engaged in hands-on technical stations, certification testing, facility tours, and professional development opportunities designed to connect classroom learning with real-world sports field and turf management practices.
The certification exam, delivered in partnership with iCEV, served as the written component of the competition and provided measurable benchmarking of technical competency.
NTSI Results*:
Overall Individual Winner: With a score of 1107.685, Boston Lawrence from Wellington FFA.
Overall Team Champion: With a score of 4289.27, Wellington FFA (Wellington, Kansas) — Boston Lawrence, Ava Bales, Lily Morningstar and Rogan Wetta.
Second Place Team: With a score of 4076.28, Avery County FFA (Newland, North Carolina) — Aaron King, Deacon Holltsclaw, Eli Church and Finley Trivett.
Third Place Team: With a score of 3989.94, Gila Ridge FFA Team 1 (Yuma, Arizona) — Gage Sullivan, Trent Karvoski, Gavin Schreiber and Blake Johnson.
*Certified results from Event Superintendent: Carson Nesbella, Ph.D.