Groundskeeper Chats

Navigating a New Role: Groundskeeper Chat with C.J. Buck

Cohost Tyler Morris kicks off this Live SFMA episode with CJ Bucks, former Head Groundskeeper with the Philadelphia Union. Buck gives us a glimpse into the thought process that led him to take a new role on the other side of our industry and how he is navigating the new role. Here's what you'll hear in this week's episode: 

• CJ's Turf Origin Story 
• Name drop pile up! 
• Confidence in your decisions and yourself 
• Navigating a new balance 
• Vendor relationships 

Year in Review: Groundskeeper Chat with Tyler Morris

MetLife Stadium Head Sports Field Manager, Tyler Morris, CSFM joins Meg and Chris to reflect on 2024 and look forward to what the World Cup will bring to New Jersey. This is Tyler's fourth GroundskeeperChat and he's welcomed back anytime! Here's what you'll hear in this week's episode: 

• World Cup Outlook 
• Industry Support 
• Jam-packed calendar of events 
• Life outside of the field 

Data-Driven Sports Field Management: Groundskeeper Chat with Tyler Carr

Tyler Carr, Turfgrass Extension Specialist at Ohio State University joins Meg for an OH-IO Groundskeeper Chat. From Palm Springs, Tyler shares with us his turf origin story, his passion for community level sports fields and data-driven sports field management. Here's what you'll hear in this episode: 

• Having an Impact via Academia 
• Tyler's Extension Appointment 
• Passion for Community Level Sports Fields 
• Data-Driven Sports Field Management 
• Lastly, The Importance of Visibility in Turf 

Aces to ASU: Groundskeeper Chat with Leah Withrow

Assistant Field Manager at Arizona State University, Leah Withrow details her recent big move from Reno to Arizona. Meg, Chris and Leah talk about having confidence in your decision making and field of the year standards. Here's what you'll hear in this week's episode: 

• Leaving Home for ASU 
• Establishing trust in a new organization 
• The diversity of University groundskeeping  
• Mentor shout out 
• 14 games in 4 days

Live from Palm Springs Kick Off: Groundskeeper Chat with Andy Hebrard and Mike Kuhn

Join us for a chaotic kick off to our Live Groundskeeper Chat series live from Palm Springs. Andy Hebrard of Athletic Applications joins Meg and Chris to help paint the picture of show opening during the annual Sports Field Management Association conference. Here's what you'll hear in this episode: 

• 2024 Year in Review for Athletic Applications 
• 2025 Trade Show Opening 
• Special Guest: Mike Kuhn from Arizona State University 

A little bit more about our guests... 
Andy Hebrard is the Owner and Operator of Athletics Applications. Andy and his crew do everything from painting to field renovations to hosting community smoke series. Andy was named a SFMA 2024 Rising Star. 
Mike Kuhn is Arizona State University's Assistant Athletic Field Manager, where he works alongside Josh Lenz, Mike Klakulak to create some our industry best field designs and conditions. ASU's football field was named a 2024 SFMA Field of the Year. 

SFMA 2025 Recap: Groundskeeper Chat with Meg Kruger and Chris Bell

Co-hosts Meg Kruger and Chris Bell sit down in Cleveland to recap the 2025 Sports Field Management Association Conference in Palm Springs. We invited several guests to our Groundskeeper Chat podcast series over the course of two days on the trade show floor. The pair give a glimpse into what listeners can expect to be release over the next 2 months. 

• 14 Live from Palm Springs Groundskeeper Chat episodes 
• Show highlights and takeaways 
• Favorite guests/episodes

Earning a Seat at the Table: Groundskeeper Chat with Chris Hathaway

Denver Broncos' Director of Turf and Grounds at Empower Field at Mile High, Chris Hathaway sat down with Meg for our latest Groundskeeper Chat episode. Meg, Chris and guest cohost, Daniel were able to meet in-person for this special episode. The trio covered everything from Chris' turf origin story to the data he collects to help justify his bottom line. 

Year in Review: Groundskeeper Chat with Meg Kruger and Chris Bell

Thank you to all everyone who listened along to our Groundskeeper Chat series in 2024! As we look forward to welcoming new guests in 2025, here is a look back at some of our highlights from this past year! This Year in Review episode features clips from the following episodes: 

• Tyler Morris, Performing Under Pressure
• Ryan DeMay, Ballfields on a Budget 
• Ryan Bjorn, The Future of Sports Turf 
• Andy Ommen, Building a Brand 
• Zach Holm, Routes to Turf 
• Josh Lenz, Earning a Seat at the Table 

 

Earning a Seat at the Table: Groundskeeper Chat with Josh Lenz

Josh Lenz is a graduate from Iowa State University, where turf first came on his radar. After working on Tim Van Loo's crew Lenz found himself interning with the NFL and meeting ASU legend, Brian Johnson. Lenz has been with ASU for six years, where he shares his experiences in earning a seat at the table for himself and his crew.

Routes to Turf: Groundskeeper Chat with Colin Boak

Our next guest, Colin Boak, is the Facility Manager with Legacy Center in Brighton Michigan. Colin joined us to share how turf came on his radar and what made him ultimately choose the career. Colin shared with us the exciting future he foresees at Legacy and all the building blocks that have made that future possible.