2025 RISING STAR AWARDS JUSTIN DANELUTT
May is a busy time for us. And in June, we have three straight weekends of state tournaments for travel ball, and then rec league.”
The park director at Choccolocco Park handles the event scheduling, and works with Danelutt to identify windows of opportunity for cultural practices.
“ We’ re all natural grass,” said Danelutt.“ The only synthetic we have are the hips on our stadium softball and baseball fields. The biggest challenge is trying to fit our cultural practices in that busy schedule.”
According to Danelutt, weather is always a challenge as well. And, until two years ago, staffing had been an issue. That was remedied when Choccolocco Park began utilizing high school graduates for seasonal help.
His message to his younger workers, and young people in general, is that if you work hard, opportunities will come your way.
“ If I would have known that this was a career when I was in college, I would have gone for the turf degree,” he added.“ It’ s a great career path. It’ s a lot of hard work, but it’ s very gratifying. You are a part of these kids’ memories— they are winning state championships on the
WHAT THEIR NOMINATOR HAD TO SAY:
I believe credit is due where credit is due. Justin loves to take a backseat to everyone; but when it’ s all said and done, no one is more deserving. He has some of the best all-natural fields around, and it’ s hands down because of his leadership. He puts his facility in a position to succeed. That’ s what you want in a star. sportsfieldmanagementonline. com October 2025 | SportsField Management
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