"With the leadership and commitment displayed by Ray Stukas in the areas of community consultation, public engagement and best practice initiatives, among others, we are pleased to honor him as the inaugural Sports Turf Manager of the Year," said association president Tennessee Propedo.

Sports Turf Canada names Ray Stukas 2014 Sports Turf Manager of the Year

Sports Turf Canada is pleased to announce that Ray Stukas is the 2014 Sports Turf Manager of the Year. The Sports Turf Manager of the Year award is a prestigious honor which recognizes an individual’s professional ability and contribution to the Canadian sports turf industry and shows appreciation for his or her proactive and progressive efforts within the profession.


Stukas is Manager of Parks, Toronto & East York District, for the City of Toronto, Ontario. With over 30 years experience in parks operations and maintenance including turf management involving sports fields, Ray, in 2012 and into 2013, served in the leadership role organizing Toronto’s new Outdoor Sports Field Improvement Program addressing more than 650 sports fields across the city. Communication with sports field stakeholders city wide was also guided by Ray and involved 16 public meetings that discussed permit issues, capital planning for field upgrades and field maintenance.


“With the leadership and commitment displayed by Ray Stukas in the areas of community consultation, public engagement and best practice initiatives, among others, we are pleased to honor him as the inaugural Sports Turf Manager of the Year,” announced association president Tennessee Propedo.


By sponsoring this award, the Guelph Turfgrass Institute assists in the recognition of sports turf managers who exemplify vision and leadership in the sports turf industry. “The GTI is honored to partner with Sports Turf Canada in the creation of this award that will help promote and recognize outstanding sports turf managers in Canada”, added GTI director Rob Witherspoon.


The nomination deadline for the 2015 Sports Turf Manager of the Year is December 1, 2014. Visit www.sportsturfcanada.com for eligibility, criteria and the nomination form.