FIELD OF THE YEAR SCHOOLS AND PARKS SOFTBALL
SFM: What were the biggest challenges you have faced with the winning field, and how have you approached those challenges? Barker: The biggest challenges I’ ve faced with maintaining the winning field have been dealing with infield skin drainage issues and working within our athletic budget. We are a small school district, and our athletic budget is far from the largest. When the field was originally installed, it wasn’ t done correctly— it lacked proper grading, and the installed field drains were back graded, making them essentially useless. This made water management a significant issue. To address the challenge, I added a slight grade to the infield skin to help shed water away from the surface, which has been very effective. My approach to challenges is rooted in understanding that difficult situations will arise daily. Adapting, finding solutions, and staying consistent are key.
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? Barker: My overall management approach centers on consistency, hard work and a commitment to always leaving the field better than
sportsfieldmanagementonline. com September 2025 | SportsField Management
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