CONFERENCE RECAP
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.
Photos by Mark Skalny
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
24 SportsField Management | March 2026 sportsfieldmanagementonline. com