New England Sports Turf Managers Association (NESTMA) announced the winners of its annual awards:
Sports Turf Manager of the Year – Tom Barry, Greens Farms Academy
“Sustainable practices, unwavering professionalism, educational excellence and giving back are all hallmarks of Tom’s storied career as a sports turf manager… Utilizing cutting-edge science and technology to create the best playing conditions, Tom is a pioneer for the future of our profession,” said NESTMA President Ben Polimer during the award presentations on March 4.
Commercial Partner of the Year – Erick Koskinen, Precision Laboratories
“As a former golf course superintendent, Erick has first-hand knowledge of the challenges of the job and he has demonstrated a deep commitment to help solve them… Always willing to give back and elevate our profession, Erick is a true champion and supporter of the region’s sports turf industry,” said Polimer.
Mruk Scholarship – Lucas Melanson, University of Massachusetts
“Lucas is pursuing a degree in turfgrass management at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMass,” said Polimer. “He is a great representative of the next generation of sports turf managers, and we’re pleased to present him with a $1,000 scholarship.”