Groundskeeper Chats

A look at our industry today: Groundskeeper Chat with Patrick ”Irish” Coakley

Drew Miller is joined by DuraEdge rep for our last drop from the special edition #GroundskeeperChat X #TigerTurfTalk collaboration. Patrick Coakley, fondly known as Irish in the sports turf industry, comes to the chat with over 20 plus years of experience in the minor leagues and now his perspective from the other side of the dirt. Here's what you'll hear in this week's Groundskeeper Chat:

• How we can promote our industry to those outside of the sports turf world 
• Current challenges facing our industry today 
• Patrick talks about his love from dirt which started during his minor league days 
• New tech we can expect from the dirt side of the industry 
• Lastly, how to have parents buy into our priority of player safety and playability 

FIFA World Cup Panel Discussion: Groundskeeper Chat with Dr. John Sorochan, Dr. Trey Rodgers and Jose Aldrete

With the United States set to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026, we dive into the research, preparation and excitement that this team of professors and sports turf professionals already have the ball rolling on. Drew Miller moderates this FIFA World Cup Panel Discussion in another special edition #GroundskeeperChat X #TigerTurfTalk collaboration episode. Here's what you'll hear in this week's episode: 

• The challenge of creating consistent playing conditions in stadiums across the United States 
• The ongoing research and preparation for the 2026 World Cup 
• Full circle opportunity to give grad students the opportunity to play a role in the World Cup 
• What factors people may not consider when thinking of planning for the World Cup 
• Lastly, what each gentlemen is hoping the legacy of their work with the World Cup with do for the sports turf industry and groundskeepers to come

 

Turfgrass Across the Pond: Groundskeeper Chat with Paul Burgess

We dive into the world of football across the pond in our latest #GroundskeeperChat X #TigerTurfTalk collab episode! Drew Miller is joined by Sports Turf Legend, Paul Burgess to catch up on the latest and greatest in developing pitches. Burgess spent decades managing the pitches for Arensal FC and Real Madrid FC before becoming a pitch consultant for AS Monaco. Here's what you'll hear in this week's chat: 

• Turfgrass across the pond
• Bringing the World Cup to the U.S.
• Paul's current project with AS Monaco 
• The building blocks of a successful football pitch 
• Lastly, a pitch manager's role in athlete safety and playability. 

 

MLB Panel Discussion: Groundskeeper Chat with Matt Brown, Bill Deacon and Luke Yoder

We welcome current and former MLB groundskeepers for a special edition #GroundskeeperChat X #TigerTurfTalk panel discussion episode. Drew Miller hosts three MLB professionals who have all at one time worked on the field together. They talk about the strong family tree in baseball and where each of their paths have led them today. Here's what you'll hear in this week's episode: 

• The unique challenges of an ever-evolving baseball groundskeeper position 
• Developing staff to run their own shows one day 
• Creative strategies for scheduling and working in reset days 
• Managing dirt and growing grass while simultaneously hosting events 
• How to set expectations for new hires and the next generation 
• Lastly, securing a seat at the table for groundskeepers 

Next Generation Women in Turf Panel: Groundskeeper Chat with Maritza Martinez, Morgan Hunter and Leah Withrow

Celebrating International's Women Month with another special edition #GroundskeeperChat X #TigerTurfTalk collab. Drew Miller moderates a conversation with members of the Women in Turf Team who are representing the next generation of women in turf in the sports turf industry. Here's what you'll hear in this week's episode: 

• Reflecting on the Little League Softball World Series 
• Highlights from the 2022 seasons and what's next for 2023? 
• Women in Turf Team and the hopes for the future 
• Lastly, how the industry can support and promote diversity 

OG Women in Turf Panel Discussion: Groundskeeper Chat with Sun Roesslein, Nina Oldenkamp, Christi Clay and Kelly Lynch

Celebrating International Women's Month with OG members of the Women in Turf Team. Kelly Lynch moderates a conversation about breaking the grass ceiling and where the Women in Turf Team is headed in this special edition LIVE SFMA episode. Here's what you'll hear in this week's #GroundskeeperChat:

• The Women in Turf Team Origin Story 
• How they've brought the movement to the sports turf industry 
• Kelly asks each panelist, what makes you brave? 
• Lastly, where the movement is headed and how you can support/get involved 

Visit the http://www.womeninturfgrass.com website for more information! 

NCAA Panel: Groundskeeper Chat with Casey Carrick and Brandon Hardin

Drew Miller was joined by two NCAA sports turf giants, Casey Carrick and Brandon Hardin for our third special edition #GroundskeeperChat X #TigerTurfTalk collab epsiode LIVE from the Pioneer SFMA booth. Here's what you'll hear in this week's episode: 

• Navigating relationships with athletic directors and coaches at the college level
• Mentoring the next generation 
• The nature of the sports turf industry, each new day presenting a fresh new challenge 
• The impact of social media on inspiring the next generation and creating fans 
• Lastly, a look a sports turf budgets, salaries and negotiating for more 

The Impact of Genetics: Groundskeeper Chat with Adam Russell and Will Schnell

Adam Russell and Will Schnell with Mountain View Seeds join Drew Miller to discuss the impact of genetics when it comes to all things grass. Drew and Adam talk about their current project at Brentsville and the excitement around how IronCutter will perform on the field.

NFL Panel Discussion: Groundskeeper Chat with Danny Losito, Nick Pappas, Ryan Bjorn and Travis Hogan

The first drop from our LIVE SFMA Groundskeeper Chat and Tiger Turf Talk collab features an All-Star cast of NFL head groundskeepers. Drew Miller hosts and moderates an insightful conversation that highlights where our playing surfaces are headed in the NFL and the experience of bringing our talents all around the world.

Turf Programs Panel Discussion: Groundskeeper Chat with Drew Miller, Kevin McCaffrey and Josh Bratovich

The legendary leaders of the Brentsville High School Tiger Turf Program, Bartrum Trail High School Bears Turf Program and Corona Del Mar High School Turf Kings Program join us for a panel discussion on inspiring the next generation through turf. Here's what you'll hear in this week's episode: 

• Special announcement about our LIVE Groundskeeper Chat Collaboration with TigerTurfTalk
• The Origin Stories behind the three high school turf programs 
• The rewarding elements of teaching turf to the next generation 
• What lessons these three gentlemen have learned from working with high schoolers 
• Lastly, what each of them hope for the future of their programs and the future of our industry.