Groundskeeper Chats

In our final conversation from the Fort Worth series, Virginia Tech's Dan Sandor shares why teaching the next generation fuels his passion, and how meaningful mentorship is shaping the future of sports field management.What you'll hear in this week's #GroundskeeperChat:

🌱 Dan's unique journey from aspiring music composer and sports journalist to becoming a professor at Virginia Tech and one of the industry's most respected educators.

🎓 Why mentorship, alumni connections, and real-world networking are just as important as what happens in the classroom.

💧 How practical, people-first research, including water conservation and field management strategies, can make a real impact for sports field managers.

🌟 An honest conversation about imposter syndrome, servant leadership, and why helping students succeed is Dan's greatest measure of success.

A little bit more about our guest...

Dan Sandor is an Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Management at Virginia Tech, where he teaches the next generation of sports turf professionals. A native of rural Ohio, Dan earned his bachelor's degree from Western Kentucky University, a master's degree in turfgrass science, and a Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas.

Every career has an origin story.

Live from the SFMA conference, Sports Turf Manager Darren Criswell shares how a part-time job at a spring training facility sparked a lifelong career in sports turf management. Along the way, we talk mentorship, leadership, earning a seat at the table, and why the toughest days often build the strongest teams. What you'll hear on this week's #GroundskeeperChat:

• Darren's turf origin story
• The mentors who shaped his career
• Leadership lessons learned through experience
• Why finding a hobby outside of work is key to avoiding burnout

A little bit more about our guest...

Criswell was previously the Sports Turf Manager at University of Arizona before taking his new role as the Associate Director of Grounds, Landscape and Recycling at San Jose State University.

Ryan Lefler, Field Superintendent for the Worcester Red Sox, joined Meg in Fort Worth share his unconventional path into professional baseball, the power of building a strong grounds crew culture, and how creativity has helped showcase the profession through social media. Here's what you'll hear in this week's #GroundskeeperChat:

• Field maintenance to marathon training
• The realities of Minor League Baseball
• The importance of hiring good people
• How social media has helped bring a spotlight to our industry

A little bit more about our guest...

Ryan Lefler is the Head Field Superintendent for the Worcester Red Sox (WooSox), where he leads the team responsible for maintaining Polar Park.

Marcus Elswick brought an audience and Kentucky pride to his Groundskeeper Chat in Fort Worth. Marcus and Meg caught up since their chat in 2024 and talked about the impact of being involved at the national and local levels of SFMA. Here's what you'll hear in this week's chat:

• Life updates with Marcus
• Kentucky Branch of SFMA
• University of Kentucky updates
• Marcus and his crew

A little bit more about our guest...

Marcus Elswick is the Head Sports Field Manager at The University of Kentucky, where he has worked for over 15 years. Elswick is also the Secretary/Treasurer for the Kentucky Sports Field Management Association.

City of Phoenix's, Sarah Martin, stopped by our booth at the Sports Field Management Conference to catch up and conduct our year in review. Sarah and Meg focused on the importance of community and how organizations like SMFA can play a pivotal role in someone's career and life.

 

A little bit more about our guest...

Sarah Martin is a Park Supervisor for the City of Phoenix Parks and Rec in the Water Management Department.

Minnesota Twins Head Groundskeeper, Larry DiVito joins us for his second Groundskeeper Chat at SFMA in Fort Worth. Larry joined us to recount his shock at winning the 2025 Dick Erickson Award the previous year and how he was preparing for his big speech! Here's what you'll hear in this week's #GroundskeeperChat:

• SFMA Annual Awards
• Reflecting on his career
• His crew and culture
• What's Next?

A little bit more about our guest...

Larry DiVito has been with the Minnesota Twins since 2009 and was one of Pioneer Athletics 2024 Pioneers in the Field.

Bryan Sheetz left behind the classroom for the week during the SFMA conference and joined Meg for his first Groundskeeper Chat. Sheetz is the Landscaping & Turf Management Teacher at Thomas Dale High School  in Chester, VA. Here's what you'll hear on this week's #GroundskeeperChat: 

• One Man Band Bryan Sheetz 
• Branding + Social Media + New Gen. 
• SFMA National Field of the Year 
• Turf credentials for high school students 
• Landscape side gig to sports turf to Thomas Dale Turf Program 

A little bit more about our guest... 
Bryan Sheetz pioneered the school's first turf management program starting 5 years ago. After teaching elementary music teacher for 19 years, Sheetz pivoted to Thomas Dale High Turf. 

Howdy! Arizona born and raised, Jared Olson has traveled the world through turf and now calls Texas home. Jared is the Director of Grounds with Austin FC and joined Meg in Fort Worth for his first #GroundskeeperChat. Here's what you'll hear in this week's episode: 

• The Olson Turf Origin Story 
• The many walks of life within the turf industry 
• What makes Austin FC home 
• MLS Grounds Crew of the Year + MLS Best Field 
• Soccer in 2026! 

Jared Olson is the Director of Grounds with Austin FC but has had his foot in every corner of the industry, soccer, football, baseball, track, field construction and more! 

Fan favorite and Certified Sports Field Manager, Sun Roesslein joins Meg in Fort Worth during the SFMA annual conference to pick up where the two left off. Sun shares an exciting career update while diving into the power of networking, community, and navigating career transitions in the sports turf industry. Here's what you'll hear on this week's #GroundskeeperChat:

• Our reoccurring Weston Appelfeller plug 
• The strength of networking and community 
• Career changes + transitions 
• Denver Summit FC 

A little bit more about our guest... 
Sun Roesslein is the Director of Grounds for the Denver Summit FC, SFMA Past President and long-time advocate for the sports turf industry. 

Our annual catch up with one of our favorite Arizona duos, Leah and Mike from ASU! The pair joins us to recap some of the 2025 season highlights and a look at what's coming down the line. Here's what you'll hear in this week's SFMA episode: 

• ASU's football season highlights 
• Crew culture and morale 
• Softball season outlook 

A little bit more about our guests... 
Leah Withrow is an Assistant Field Manager at Arizona State University overseeing the softball complex. Mike Kuhn is an Assistant Field Manager at Arizona State University overseeing football, soccer and lacrosse.