PROFILE and pump house with the City of Arvada . Their facility is downhill from ours , so they have way more water pressure than we do . Between the wind and lack of irrigation pressure , you can imagine the challenges with that . There really isn ’ t much we can do to fight the wind , but we use wetting agents and have a couple irrigation head bases built that connect to a hose for spot watering . We ’ ve planted trees and shrubs as a bit of a natural wind break . Another big challenge is that we do not have an equipment budget , and ticket sales for our games go back into the school district ’ s general fund . So , if we need to replace or purchase any equipment , it is purely funded from any outside rentals we have hosted .
Roesslein : COVID changed our game schedules and sports season around last year . We had a shortened football season ; and boys soccer , which is usually played in the fall , was pushed to the early spring . Our spring sports ( girls soccer , and boys and girls lacrosse ) were pushed to late spring and wrapped up at the end of June . In a normal year , our seasons are finished by the end of May . So , we lost about a month of repair , recovery and project time prior to kicking off this fall . Aside from the sports schedule changing , we had great support to continue doing our jobs maintaining the fields and facility .
SFM : Outside of COVID-related challenges , what are the biggest challenges that you face on a regular basis , and how do you approach those ?
Roesslein : Weather is , of course , a constant challenge . The National Wind Technology Research center is just two miles north of us , for good reason . I ’ ve actually had a game postponed due to high winds ! It was a beautiful day , clear blue skies but nearly impossible to play soccer in 80-plusmph winds . We also use reclaimed water and share a pond
SFM : Who were your mentors in the industry , or who has impacted your career the most ?
Roesslein : I ’ ve been extremely fortunate to have many mentors over the years , from some who have taught me aspects of the technical side of turfgrass management to some who have encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and keep growing . Some instances have been as simple as a sidewalk conversation walking from the classes back to the hotel at an STMA Conference , while some have been more hands on . I think that everyone has something to teach others if you are willing to listen and learn . I just listened to a great podcast called Game Changers with Molly Fletcher , and her guest was Carla Harris . Their conversation about why you also need a “ sponsor ,” someone who advocates for you when you aren ’ t in the room . Of course , I would not be who or where I am today without my parents .
SFM : What would you say are the biggest accomplishments of your career and / or what are you most proud to have achieved ?
32 SportsField Management | November 2021 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com