Tiger Turf Talk

Be sure to check out our latest episode featuring newly named Dr. Travis Roberson from the Syngenta Company. We are thrilled to partner with the Syngenta Company, where we will be installing Spiio sensors throughout our facility at Brentsville. We were able to have Travis out to discuss the work he is doing with this innovative technologies and the impact that they can have on how we manage our turf. We also go the chance to reminisce on our days at Virginia Tech where we were students together. Awesome conversation with an even better person. Be sure to listen.

Talk about an episode that everyone needs to listen to. The incredible insight that Josh gives on his experience and how he operates at ASU is something that we all can benefit from. The culture that he has been able to create among his crew is something that is special and should be used throughout the industry. His priorities to himself, family, and crew members are truly inspiring. This is an episode that everyone needs to listen to.

We had the honor of having Andi on the podcast fresh off of her first trip to the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, where she received the incredible Allan MacCurrach Jr. Award. This is a great, authentic conversation with one of the most motivated industry professionals on the podcast with her unique journey to this point in her career. This is an episode you do not want to miss.

We were so excited to have industry leader Brad Finn on to talk about sports field management. We dive into his personal journey into the industry and how so many industry professionals played a role in his success. We also had the opportunity to debrief on the recent SFMA conference and the experience. This is an episode you do not want to miss.

We always love having friends on the podcast, but for this episode, we had the opportunity to have Tanner talk about the groundbreaking facility that is the future of golf in the TGL. The use of GameOn grass to facilitate a more realistic atmosphere in a stadium setting is truly something special. You do not want to miss this episode.

We are so excited to talk with the SFMA Professional Soccer Field of the Year winner, Mr. Aaron Fink. Just an awesome conversation about the growth of sports field management in Louisville and how he was there to open a new stadium for the MLS Expansion team. We also got into the significance of mentorship and how someone like Tom Nielsen impacted his career and how he carries his experiences better to mentor the next generation of Sports Field Managers. We look forward to seeing everyone at the Toro Booth at the SFMA Palm Springs. Be sure to look for the Grounds Leadership Academy application in the booth.

Be sure to check out the first episode of 2025 with one of our favorite people, Max Casper, the newly hired Head Groundskeeper of the Reno Aces. It was such a fantastic conversation about the exciting start in Max's new role and his aspirations for the future. He has a unique journey into the industry that shows how important mentorship is for those unaware of the sports field management industry. You do not want to miss this episode! Be sure to check out the Toro Booth at SFMA this year.

We are excited to have one of our future industry leaders, Drew Selensky from Texas A&M. We had a great conversation about the future of our industry and the impact that he is having on it through his work on social media of developing a brand where not only are we ushering in the next generation but creating awareness of all the incredible work sports field managers have no their communities local and national. You do not want to miss an incredible episode with an even better human being.

We are excited to officially announce this historic partnership of the Brentsville Turf Toro Grounds Academy. In this episode, we dive into the journey to get to this point where we are looking to change the outlook of the turfgrass industry. With our shared vision, we aim to cultivate the next generation of turfgrass managers in all areas of the industry. You do not want to miss this one!

In this episode, we have a rising star in the industry, Ben Hartman of the Witchita Wind Surge. Such an amazing conversation with an awesome human being with a real passion for the industry. We also talk about the future generation and our role in creating the best opportunity moving forward. Be sure to check it out.

We stopped in Ames, Iowa, to visit with one of our favorite industry professionals, Joe Hill, and record a Joe Rogan-type Podcast with the longest episode recorded in Tiger Turf Talk history. You do not want to miss this incredible episode, which speaks to this incredible industry and the future that we should be striving for.

Wrapping up our time in Minnesota with a young and bright industry professional live at Allianz Field where we were able to dive into everything Minnesota United including his awesome companion Kobe the Golden Retriever. You do not want to miss this incredible conversation with an awesome person in this industry.

Be sure to check out this awesome episode with an incredible professional, Marcus Campbell. We had the incredible honor of seeing his first-class facility in St. Paul, where he is doing an incredible job. We got the opportunity to dive into what it takes to manage the field, the crew, and so much more. We cannot thank Marcus enough for taking the time! Be sure to listen.

When you talk about two of the most influential industry professionals out there, these two are some of the first names that come to mind. Not only have they had a lasting impact on the Sports Field Management Industry, but they are some of the kindest and caring human beings that you will ever meet. Abby and Nick were panelists at this year's Grounds Leadership Academy, where we discussed some of the insight that they shared with the group while in Minnesota. Be sure to listen!

It is always an incredible opportunity to talk to one of the industry's best, Jeff McManus. His experience and passion for our industry are unparalleled. In our conversation, we dove into the very real aspects of being a leader, from the challenges to the incredible impact one can have in a leadership role. Jeff's insight is truly remarkable and definitely something you do not want to miss.

If you want to see what the Toro Grounds Academy is all about and what you can gain from attending one of the best events in the turfgrass industry, Josh and his team are tasked with developing the event and creating a space where industry professionals have authentic conversations that truly impact everyone in attendance. Josh and I have an awesome discussion that you do not want to miss.

Be sure to check out this incredible episode, featuring the heart and soul of the Tour Grounds Team and some of the best people in our industry. Chris, Matt, and Troy are the District Sales Managers for North America, with some of the best insight into the machine that is The Toro Company. We discuss the Toro Grounds Leadership Academy and how it ties into the culture of the incredible organization that brings you industry-leading equipment. This is a must-listen!

Upon Arrival at the Grounds Leadership Academy, we met with Grant Davisson, the Minnesota Vikings' Director of Sports Fields and Grounds. As a part of the Toro Ground Academy, we were able to tour their facility and see the behind-the-scenes of their operation and how an NFL Grounds Crew Operates. We had a fantastic conversation about essential subjects in the industry and how they will impact our future. You do not want to miss it!

Our next stop takes us to the Quad Cities, home of the Single A Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, RiverBandits. We met up with the Director of Field Services and good friend, Morgan Hunter. We discussed her time in the KC Royals system, where she has grown in each opportunity. Talked about an upcoming field renovation necessary to meet PDL standards and much more. You do not want to miss out!

We had the honor of stopping in Cleveland to see one of our former students working his first internship with the Cleveland Browns and Pioneer Athletics. It has been great to see how far Sam has come since his first year in the Brentsville Turf Program. He has an extremely bright future in this industry. I am beyond proud of his continued dedication to professional growth. Be sure to check it out!

Also, at our stop at Pioneer Athletics, we got the incredible opportunity to talk with industry leader James Hlavaty. We dive into the R&D portion of the organization to talk about the advancement of the industry with their groundbreaking innovation for field paint. We also got some great insight into the incredible culture of the Ohio Sports Field managers and their continued work of excellence. Be sure to check it out!

Check out our next stop on the Toro Grounds Leadership Podcast Tour in Cleveland, Ohio, with the Content Lead for Pioneer Athletics, Meg Kruger. This is an excellent episode with a unique perspective on our industry as a whole. Maeg has spent her time in the industry uplifting others with her platform and has high aspirations to make a positive impact on our industry. Be sure to check it out.

Our next Toro Grounds Leadership Podcast Tour stop is PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. We had the opportunity to sit with Matt Brown and talk about field management. Always great catching up with my former boss and discuss the growth that has happened from when he first started with the Pirates. One of the best professionals with incredible insight to our industry and best proactices. It is always

During our time in Philadelphea, we had the opportunity to sit down with the Director of Field Operations for the Philadelphea Phillies Jeremy Wilt. This is an episode you do not want to miss with special guest Da Boss. This episode showcases the importance of family and the impact it truly has on our lives. We see how important it truly is. We also have the opportunity to talk about all things Citizens Bank Park and the crew. We had a blast going through some Phillies Trivia as well. You do not want to miss out. Be sure to check our Toro.com for all things new with The Toro Company.

We are excited to start our second annual Toro Grounds Leadership Podcast Tour in sunny Philadelphia with one of the best in our industry, Mr. Tony Leonard. When it comes to sports field managers, Tony has developed one of the best operations in the industry from their incredible staff to their outstanding internship program. He has brought in the next generation for over two decades. His perspective on turfgrass management lies in the culture of the organization and his crew. Be sure to check out this industry leader and how he is changing the game. Be sure to check out the most recent equipment from The Toro Company at toro.com

Be sure to check out this episode, where we dive into the background behind the engineer soils of DuraEdge Products with Patrick Coakley. We better understand the significance of how they produce their products to ensure the best and safest playing surfaces at all levels of play, from the Major Leagues to your local little league. We also discuss the unique culture of the company and the incredible professionals who are a part of their organization. This episode is brought to you by DuraEdge Products, DuraEdge® produces premium ballfield infield mixes, warning track mixes, topdressings, and mound clays for ballfields at all levels of play. Be sure to check out their lineup of products at duraedge.com

We have an absolutely incredible episode with the new Coordinator of the Penn State Turfgrass Science program. We have an amazing conversation with an industry leader about the opportunity that Penn State Turfgrass presents to its students and the industry's overall growth. His passion for the industry and entomology is apparent in the way he shares his story and his love for his programs. Be sure to check it out.

Be sure to check out our episode with Stephen Lord of Advanced Turf, one of the best in our industry. We dive into all things Advanced Turf and how the company has grown to new heights and areas of the country. We also discussed our industry and all of the growth over the years since his time with the Cincinnati Reds. Just overall an incredible episode with an awesome human being. Check it out!

With the conclusion of Grounds Week, we had the opportunity to talk with the CEO of the Grounds Managment Association, Geoff Webb. We discussed all of the incredible work of the GMA and their advocacy not only for their members but for safe playing surfaces through their work on the development of the framework of proper field management. These frameworks go beyond the pitch and include significant work with leadership, budgeting, work-life balance, etc. Truly some inspirational works of the GMA, like the recent All Female crew working a sold-out women's premier league game at Arsenal. I cannot thank Geoff enough for taking the time! This is an episode you do not want to miss!

What an incredible episode with an exciting industry professional, Em Casey! We discuss all of the amazing parts of her work at Seven Canyons Golf Resort, including her work with the unique wildlife of Javelinas, which is one of the duties assigned when it comes to golf course superintendents and their work. We also dive into her work alongside other industry professionals when volunteering for big tournaments like the Waste Management Open and the Players Championship. She highlights all the incredible parts of being a part of this incredible industry. It is just a great conversation with an even better person. Be sure to check it out!

We are excited to wrap up our Toro Grounds Series with a podcast with Brentsville Turf Students who attended the SFMA Conference. If you ever wonder why our program is so special, you need to listen to these kids' excitement to be a part of this year's National conference. Meeting with industry professionals, presenting to the industry, and competing at the Collegiate Student Challenge. If you need inspiration, please listen to their stories and aspirations to be a part of this incredible industry. We want to thank The Toro Company for helping with that shared vision of the next generation of the turfgrass industry!

We are excited to have one of our favorite professionals on the podcast, Mr. Adam Russell of MVP Genetics. We have had the incredible opportunity to Partner with MVP Genetics over the past couple of years as we installed one of the best vegetative bermudagrasses out there, IronCutter Bermudagrass. In this podcast, we discuss how we collaborated from planning to installing the IronCutter to ensure not only a successful grow-in but also the creation of the best natural grass-playing surface in the country on Donald Lambert Field. This is an inside look into the specifics behind the maintenance of the SFMA National Football Field of the Year. We cannot thank Adam enough for all of his support of the Brentsville Turf Program and what he continues to do for our students. Truly one of the best out there! This is an episode you do not want to miss!

We are honored to be Partnering with the SFMA to bring you the 2024 Keynote talk- Beyond the Field: Utilizing History, Technology, and Mentorship to Define the Future of Sports Field Management. The members of the Panel included Mike Goatley, Ph.D., Abby McNeal, CSFM, Chad Price, CSFM, CFB, Leah Withrow, and Travis Hogan. I was honored to moderate the session to bring awareness to the important trends currently impacting the Sports Field Management Industry. Truly an incredible discussion with some of the best people in our industry. Be sure to check out the new SFMA Mentorship Program that the Association has developed to have the best possible impact on the future of our industry. We highly recommend that anyone considering becoming an SFMA member look at sportsfieldmanagment.org to understand better the benefits of how you can take your career to the next level. It has truly been the driving force in my career and how I have been able to create one of the best networks out there. We cannot thank the incredible staff of the SFMA enough for all that they do to make the National Conference and their continuous work to better our industry as a whole. Be sure to listen and understand why the Sports Field Management industry is so special.

For our next episode, we are live from the SFMA Trade Show floor at the Toro Booth. We sat down with the Toro Sports Fields and Grounds Marketing Manager, Josh Jans, and the Product Manager of Toro Utility Vehicles, Noah Wahl. This was an incredible opportunity to hear what is new with the Toro Vista and UTX vehicles and their overall impact on a ground crew's ability to be efficient. We also talked about the process they develop for your use and how your input is at the forefront of their work—truly an inspiring conversation. We also talked about the upcoming Toro Grounds Leadership Academy this summer. It is an experience like no other that focuses on the growth of a unique group of professionals. Do not miss out, and be sure to apply today at toro.com

Our next stop was in Jacksonville, Florida, with the Sports Field Manager of Everbank Stadium, Nick Fedewa. One of the most authentic episodes we have ever recorded with one of the most real people I have ever had the honor of interviewing! Important topics that everyone needs to hear about. Be sure to listen to one of our best podcasts of Tiger Turf Talk. We cannot thank Nick enough for everything. Be sure to listen.

Our next stop on the road was at the University of South Carolina with industry legend Clark Cox. What an incredible facility with an even better human being. Talking all things Carolina turfgrass from where he began to what he has built alongside his fantastic crew. We are so grateful for Clark taking the time and inspiring our students along their journey in this industry. Be sure to check out your local Toro distributor for the newest innovation, toro.com

Join us on our road to the Sports Field Management Association Conference, where we will meet with industry professionals and discuss their work and what they are looking forward to in the near future. Danny Losito is one of the best human beings in this industry and continues to grow it while maintaining a professional sports facility at the highest level. One of our program's biggest supporters is someone who has incredible insight into what it takes to be a real member of the industry and the responsibilities that go beyond the field. Be sure to check it out. Please be sure to check out your local Toro Distributer for new an innovative products.

What a way to kick off 2024 with a phenomenal episode with someone who truly gives our industry hope with the young, excited, and determined next generation of the Turfgrass industry. Mira Emma embodies all of these things with an extremely unique vantage point of playing Division 1 Soccer while pursuing her degree in Turfgrass Science at Iowa State. It's an incredible story with an even better person! I'm super excited for her to be a part of history, opening the first-ever Women's soccer stadium. We have a future industry leader, and you do not want to miss it.

We had the best way to wrap up 2023 with a great friend and huge supporter of the program, Ryan Bjorn of the New England Patriots. We were lucky enough to have him in the studio at Brentsville to recap the 2023 year and all things New England Turfgrass. We also discuss our upcoming SFMA conference presentation in a couple weeks. We are excited for the upcoming year, and for all of our listeners, thank you for your support.

Check out this episode with Will Cole of the Salem Red Sox. An awesome conversation about growing Bluegrass in southwest Virginia and what it takes to manage the best professional sporting field, according to the 2023 recipient of the Virginia Sports Field Management Association Field of the Year. Truly an incredible person who is always looking for new opportunities to learn. Be sure to listen!

Don't miss this awesome episode with a young and upcoming industry professional out of Texas A&M, Andrew Healy. Great conversation about college athletics and how everything is always evolving whether it be the facilities or how we manage them. Be sure to check it out.

Excited to be back with new episodes. This episode has been a long time in the making. We have the incredible Ty Robb of Grove XXIII and co-host of the X(Twitter) Turf Talks. I had an awesome conversation with a Brentsville District High School alum from before the creation of the Turf program. His passion and love for our industry truly shows in his work with his online presence in the Twitter space as well as his volunteer work with his local GCSAA chapter, where he focuses on the development of Golf Course Assistant Superintendents. He also brought on one of our alumni as the first intern at his course, where he has had a lasting impact on our students. Cannot thank Ty enough for everything. Be sure to check it out.

If you want to listen to a funny episode, this is the episode for you. For our last episode of the Women in Turf Team Series, we have Megan Muesse of the Texas A&M Turfgrass Science program. Always a great time getting the chance to catch up with Megan on her journey through the turfgrass industry (and her obsession with Taylor Swift). Megan has a very bright future in this industry with many incredible opportunities ahead.

We are excited to start another series from the 2nd annual Women's in Turf Team Softball Little League World Series Grounds Crew. We had an absolutely incredible time with the new crew members and all that returned! Be sure to follow along in the next couple of weeks. The next two industry professionals we had on were Nina Oldenkamp and Nancy Cienfuegos. This was an awesome episode where both crew members were a part of the women's in-turf team events for the golf and sports side of the industry. This was an awesome conversation about these events and how much they have grown over the years. Be sure to listen here.

We are excited to start another series from the 2nd annual Women's in Turf Team Softball Little League World Series Grounds Crew. We had an absolutely incredible time with the new crew members and all that returned! Be sure to follow along in the next couple of weeks. The next two industry professionals we had on were Sun Rosslein and Logan Strong. Such an incredible conversation with one of the best industry leaders in the history of our association, having a candid conversation with a young industry professional looking to take her first steps as a full-time professional.

We are excited to start another series from the 2nd annual Women's in Turf Team Softball Little League World Series Grounds Crew. We had an absolutely incredible time with the new crew members and all that returned! Be sure to follow along in the next couple of weeks. We had the incredible opportunity to talk with two returning crew members, Sarah Martin from the City of Phoenix Parks and Rec and Cheryl Miller from Little League Baseball. Two incredible industry leaders with incredible insight into the gravity of what this event means for the industry.

We are excited to start another series from the 2nd annual Women's in Turf Team Softball Little League World Series Grounds Crew. We had an incredible time with the new crew members and all that returned! Be sure to follow along in the next couple of weeks. Next, we have an awesome conversation with one of the brightest industry professionals out there, Chrissie Segars, with PBI Gordon. She is an incredible scientist who has had such a large impact on this industry in her work and has so many incredible research projects that will continuously impact our industry for years to come. Be sure to listen

We are excited to start another series from the 2nd annual Women's in Turf Team Softball Little League World Series Grounds Crew. We had an incredible time with the new crew members and all that returned! Be sure to follow along in the next couple of weeks. We were excited to meet with two new crew members, Jake Horn of the Spring Training Site of the Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton, FL, and Piper Richardson of the Fayetteville Woodpeckers. This was a fantastic conversation with two exciting professionals with awesome opportunities in front of them. Be sure to listen!

We are excited to start another series from the 2nd annual Women's in Turf Team Softball Little League World Series Grounds Crew. We had an absolutely incredible time with the new crew members and all that returned! Be sure to follow along the next couple of weeks. We started off with BJ Thomas from the University of Georgia Athletics Grounds Crew and Tavis Dill of Upstate South Carolina Athletics. Two incredible professionals with great insight into the event and our industry.

Do we have a truly special episode for the conclusion of the Toro Grounds Leadership Podcast Tour. We had on an eleven-year Major League Baseball Veteran Jeff Baker, on to discuss his experience from the professional athlete's perspective. We continuously strive to better our skills as field managers, and this episode shows that there are people out there who recognize your work and truly appreciate it. This might be one of the greatest episodes of Tiger Turf Talk; you do not want to miss it. We want to send a huge shout-out to the Toro Company for their support of this incredible podcast tour.

Be sure to check out this episode to get a first-hand review of the inaugural Toro Grounds Leadership Academy. This episode will explain the fantastic event that Toro has put together for industry professionals from all levels. Be sure to listen to the benefits of attending this event from two industry leaders who believe it was one of the best events that they have ever attended. If you are interested in attending next year be sure to listen!