RISING STAR
The athletic field crew manages a full-size natural grass soccer game field , a 90,000-square-foot natural grass soccer practice field , a natural grass football game field , four natural grass football practice fields ( one full-size field , one 80-yard field and smaller offense and defense practice fields ), a natural grass softball facility and a natural grass baseball facility , as well as all of the common areas that surround those fields . The only synthetic field on campus is managed by the facilities side of the CNU athletics department .
When it comes to career achievements , Webb said the Field of the Year Awards are important because there are so many talented sports field managers in the industry . “ I would argue there are way more talented turf managers out there than I could ever be ,” he said . “ To be in a category with them and be recognized for the hard work that I myself and my crew here do , that ’ s huge .” But Webb also takes pride in having witnessed CNU ’ s softball and women ’ s soccer teams win national championships in recent years .
“ Division III is unique in that the athletics department is like family ,” he said . “ Our coaches and athletes are the ones who make the magic happen on game day . But to sit here and know that our team in the grounds department was able to play even a small role in their success , that is very rewarding to be a part of .”
Outside of work , Webb ’ s world revolves around his family — wife Courtney , and sons Carter , age 5 , and Carson , age 2 .
“ I talked about being part of a national championship and what that means to me — none of that compares to the joy of being a dad ,” he said . “ I don ’ t ever want to take a day with those two for granted . My wife and I both try to spend every minute outside of work with them and making sure that they have nothing but good memories and we are always there for their moments .”
Webb said he is inspired by his wife , his grandfather and DiVito .
“ My wife makes me a better person every day ,” he said . “ She makes me a better people manager . I wouldn ’ t be where I am if it weren ’ t for her support and encouragement . We all realize the toll this industry can take on you — especially in season — and if you don ’ t have that kind of rock at home , it ’ s hard to bounce back and come back every day to do what we do .”
Webb added that his grandfather ’ s disposition and his love of the outdoors stick with him to this day .
“ I know that he ’ s looking down on me with pride and with love at what I do ,” said Webb . “ Some days I joke that if he were here , he would look at it and say , ‘ It looks good , but your lines are crooked .’ He ’ s always with me .”
And Webb will always be grateful to DiVito . “ He gave me that first shot ,” he said . “ I just hope that someday I can help someone feel the level of passion and expertise that he made me feel those two years working with him in D . C .”
As for the Rising Star Award : “ I ’ m my own worst critic of how the fields look and how they perform ,” said Webb . “ I ’ m always second guessing myself or feeling like I should have gotten something else done or done something different . So , to be noticed and appreciated by peers really hits deep .” SFM
— Article written by John Kmitta , associate publisher and editorial brand director
WHAT THEIR NOMINATOR HAD TO SAY :
“ Chris continues to take on more and more responsibility at Christopher Newport University and is succeeding at a very high level . People like him play such a valuable role behind the scenes in helping to provide a positive college experience for dedicated student athletes . I feel strongly that the broad-focused commitment of sports field managers to all collegiate sports , for men and women at all levels , is the finest example of professionalism that CSFMs such as Chris can offer to help grow our industry .” sportsfieldmanagementonline . com October 2023 | SportsField Management
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