Groundskeeper Chats

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. 

Coaches/Field Manager Relations: Groundskeeper Chat with ASU’s Jon Larson and Willie Bloomquist

Jon Larson and Willie Bloomquist are the team behind Arizona State University's Baseball team but their roles are very different. Jon is the head groundskeeper that manages the field while Willie is the head coach who manages the players. For two jobs that are naturally at odds with one another, how do the two ensure they share the same vision and goals for the program?

Coaches/Field Manager Relations: Groundskeeper Chat with Vanderbilt’s Tyler Morris and Beth Hewitt

Tyler Morris, Director of Sports Turf at Vanderbilt University is joined by his head lacrosse coach, Beth Hewitt for the coaches/field manager relations groundskeeper chat. The pair are headed into their third season together and share insight onto why establishing trust and communication on day one should be top priority.

Coaches/Field Manager Relations: Groundskeeper Chat with Quinlan’s Tommy Underwood and Todd Wallace

Tommy Underwood has 17 years of experience in field maintenance and for 11 of those years, he's been working alongside athletics director and head football coach Todd Wallace to make fields safe and playable for their district. The pair talk about how working at a small school district gives them immediate appreciation for what other people in the organization have to juggle to get the job done.

Vendor Relations: Groundskeeper Chat with Chad and Cathy Kropff from Bulldog Field Equipment

Chad and Cathy, owners of Bulldog Field Equipment have been navigating vendor relationships with customers since the opening of their business in 2011. The duo gives us insight in how to keep customers happy during chaotic times by leading with honesty and authenticity.