2025 RISING STAR AWARDS MARCUS ELSWICK tunate, but I’ ve put in a lot of hours and a lot of work. But I’ m still growing. I still have so much more to learn. I learn stuff from my students every day. There’ s always a chance to soak in whatever other people are telling you.”
Elswick credits several people with guiding him thus far— most notably his father, who passed away six months after Elswick landed the position as head sports turf manager at UK.
“ My dad is a big reason I do what I do,” said Elswick.“ He worked in a factory his whole life, but he had a green thumb for landscaping and turning nothing into something beautiful. He was hard working, and would give you the shirt off his back. I would like to think a lot of who I am comes from him.”
Others who impacted Elswick’ s career journey include Marcus Dean, who, Elswick says, took a chance on him not once, but twice, and pushed him to be better and do more; Josh Barnes, who“ was the best teacher” and let Elswick embrace his creative side; Tommy Davis, Dave Thomas and Chuck Stivers, who were full of wisdom and taught Elswick many important life lessons; and Eric Haub who“ took a student with no interest and showed him how to take pride in everything and go the extra step, work hand in hand with everything and don’ t be above any job.”
Elswick has worked hard to get where he is professionally, but he also works hard to maintain work-life balance.
“ My wife is awesome, and we have a 16-month-old baby girl— they are my world,” he said.“ Once I get home, it’ s playtime.”
In addition to enjoying life with his wife and daughter, Elswick plays basketball and likes just hanging out and spending time with his brother and friends.
He also stays busy outside of work through industry volunteerism, which currently includes helping to restart the Kentucky chapter of SFMA.
“ We are trying to get the recognition that there are jobs and careers in this state for people who don ' t want to work in an office or who want to work outside and be around sports,” he said.“ There are a lot of people who don’ t know that this is a profession or that there is a science and a process behind it. The biggest challenge is trying to get people to learn what we do, and why we do it.”
As for being recognized by his peers with a Rising Star Award, Elswick said it means a lot to him.
“ I feel like I’ m far away from being my best self,” he said.“ It’ s very much appreciated.”
WHAT THEIR NOMINATOR HAD TO SAY:
Marcus embodies the qualities celebrated by SportsField Management magazine’ s Rising Star Awards. Year after year, he has advanced the Kentucky sports turf program – not just from a playability standard, but also by inspiring many student workers and assistants turf managers. He consistently demonstrates leadership and innovation in maintaining top-tier athletic fields. He shares his knowledge at industry conferences, fosters a strong crew culture, and mentors emerging professionals. His dedication to both the craft and community exemplifies the spirit of a rising star. sportsfieldmanagementonline. com October 2025 | SportsField Management
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