FIELD OF THE YEAR SCHOOLS AND PARKS SOFTBALL
SportsField Management ( SFM ): What are you most proud of with this win , and / or what do you think stands out most about the winning field ? Matthew Arms , CSFM : I am most proud of this win because this was a milestone goal in my career . I had set out to win at least one FOY during my tenure as a sports field manager . I waited to apply until I was managing a field that met my standards , as well as organizational standards . The efforts of the staff associated with this field deserve significant credit for this award . Their time and effort focusing on details and quality have created this awesome playing surface . The school district also deserves credit for its willingness to spend the necessary funds to help improve drainage , safety and overall aesthetics of the field . We could not accomplish all we have without the district and the athletic director ’ s support .
In my opinion , the most appealing aspect of our softball field is its playability . It can now handle some significant rain and be playable in a short time . We are incredibly pleased with the aesthetic side of the field ’ s condition . Another huge aspect is the effort made by the staff every game to make the players feel special and given the best opportunity for success on their home field .
SFM : What attracted you to a career in sports field management , and what has been your career path through the industry ? Arms : My career path and education has been a little unorthodox from your typical sports field manager . I obtained a bachelor ’ s degree in English from the University of North Greenville . While finishing my degree , I started my own landscape company in 2005 . While our company was growing to new heights , the recession of 2008 hit us hard and I had to find employment to supplement my income . I was hired at Greenville Parks Department as a groundskeeper , which introduced me to sports field maintenance . During my tenure in Greenville , I worked under a sports field manager with a degree from Ohio State , and he pushed me to take the Sports Turf Manager Certificate Program through the University of Georgia . I received my certificate in August 2008 . At the time I received the certificate , he had transferred jobs and the fields were under my care . In the fall of 2008 , I accepted a position as field supervisor at Spartanburg Parks Department .
sportsfieldmanagementonline . com October 2024 | SportsField Management
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