We will likely be renovating/resodding every year moving forward because of our event load. However, in this unprecedented year we were asked to pull off a groundskeeping miracle of handling that increased event load amid staffing shortages and budget struggles. I also like to think we are one of a kind when it comes to logo painting. I began school as a graphic design major, and to combine those skills with being a sports field manager has opened up a whole new avenue. The unique field designs we pull off several games per year separate us from other schools — and we always do the work freehand. We all know how expensive stencils can be; and to change it up as much as we like, those costs couldn’t be justified if we had to use stencils. I love how we’ve become known for our field designs. This past year, ASU365 Community Union asked us to design a Topgolf-style event for them on the field, and to paint exactly what we designed. We painted seven ASU-themed logos on the field (four of which were done freehand), endzone letters that were freehand, and several other words (also freehand) to make the event happen. The ASU Commencement Ceremonies group also asked us to design an endzone graphic that could be painted for all commencement ceremonies. This has become an annual thing. Several vendors that host events at our stadium have asked us to paint their logos. A safe and playable surface is, of course, always our main focus. However, to combine that with our ability to bring any design to fruition on our football field is what separates us from others.
— Josh Lenz, athletic field manager
Level and category of submission: College Football
Field manager: Josh Lenz
Title: Athletic field manager
Education: Master’s degree in Horticulture
Experience: Student groundskeeper, Iowa State University; graduate assistant groundskeeper, Iowa State University; won the Toro Super Bowl Internship while at Iowa State; NFL International Series grounds crew; assistant groundskeeper, University of Colorado – Boulder; assistant groundskeeper, Arizona State University; athletic field manager, Arizona State University Athletics.
Original facility construction: 1958
Full-time staff: Mike Kuhn and Michael Klakulak
Turfgrass: Bermuda 419 (May to mid-October) overseeded with a three-way blend of perennial ryegrass from Seed Research of Oregon.
Soil amendments: Humate, wetting agents
Rootzone: Sand
Drainage: Yes
SportsField Management (SFM): Congratulations on the Field of the Year win. What are you most proud of with this win?
Josh Lenz: I’m most proud of our crew and the challenges we overcame in 2024. Most of the time this is a behind-the-scenes, thankless job. I did not tell the crew I was applying for this award. They just continued to buy in and show up each day, and performed at an incredibly high level despite all our challenges. I’m incredibly thankful for them, and it’s so rewarding for me to see them receive this honor. It’s a team effort, and they deserve all the recognition for an unbelievable year and a job well done.
SFM: What were the biggest challenges you have faced with the winning field, and how have you approached those challenges?
Lenz: Staffing, event load and weather. We spent most of 2024 significantly understaffed. I think there were a lot of moments when most of the crew questioned whether they’d make it through the year — or if they even wanted to do this job anymore. When you struggle with staffing, a heavier workload with more events, and some of the harshest weather in the country, it takes that much more of a toll on the crew.
With all the changes in college athletics recently, it’s making the job more challenging. We’re seeing more frequent events and stage setups, and longer durations of those events. It’s difficult to keep up with budgets and staffing while maintaining or even raising expectations. One of the biggest event challenges we faced was a stage and more than 6,000 chairs on the field for more than 10 days, each day over 100 degrees and limited water, and the inability to resod
following the event.
The weather has always been a challenge in the desert. We’re trying to grow a tropical grass in conditions with little to no humidity. The last two years our summer monsoon has been almost nonexistent. And in 2024 we set a record for 113 straight days over 100 degrees. Not only does that take a toll on the grass, but a major toll on the staff working in those conditions.
SFM: Can you share a little about your overall management approach to the winning field and what you feel have been the most important aspects to getting this field to an award-
winning level?
Lenz: For me, it’s always the employee first. I truly believe if you’re sincere and care for the employee like a second family, they’re going perform at a high level for you and give you all they have. I ask a lot of our crew. I think we all take a lot of pride in what we do, and we strive to do even the finer details to the highest level. But I also understand that everyone has a life and dreams outside of this job. Nobody wants to come to work miserable every day. In my opinion, we do really great job of balancing work and life the best we can, and making sure we’re covering for one another to prevent employee burnout. That’s the key to success. When you have people who want to be here and enjoy what they’re doing, and they also know they don’t have to sacrifice life outside of this job, it makes for a healthy environment and sets a crew up for success.
SFM: Please tell us about your crew, and anything else you would like us to know about your organization and the fields/facilities that you manage?
Lenz: We have a special bunch right now, and they all complement each other so well. Our crew is made up of three assistant field managers, three full-time groundskeepers, a handful of student workers, and part-time helpers. We’re associated with nine different sports teams and oversee about 25 acres of highly maintained natural grass fields, eight acres of artificial grass, four beach volleyball courts, and some facility common areas. I can’t say enough about the current group we have. They are all such great workers, and they deserve this award and recognition. I’m so thankful we can celebrate a tough 2024 in this way.
SFM: Can you share a bit of insight into what the Field of the Year application process was like for you, as well as any tips you might have for other sports field managers?
Lenz: Not quite what I was expecting, but not surprised and thankful for the in-depth questions and testing required. I know groundskeepers all over strive to keep athletes safe; it’s the number one goal. The process is lengthy and makes you think it’s not something you can sit down and do in one sitting. And I’m glad it wasn’t — it makes the award feel that much more special. If I were to offer tips, start early and keep in-depth and accurate notes throughout the year, because the application process is considerate of the entire year. Notes certainly help to look back and reflect on to give accurate answers. Reading the questions early on gives you a better idea of what to make note of as you manage the field throughout the year.
The Field of the Year Awards program is made possible by the support of sponsors Carolina Green, World Class Athletic Surfaces and The Aquatrols Company.