SFMA Conference Post-show Recap

The 36th SFMA Conference & Exhibition was held at the Palm Springs Convention Center in Palm Springs, California, January 13-16, 2025. This year’s theme was “Oasis of Knowledge,” and the sports field management industry’s premier event featured seven education tracks, a full trade show with more than 160 exhibiting companies, networking opportunities, opening general session, SAFE fundraisers, the SFMA Student Challenge, Seminar on Wheels, and more.

VOLUNTEER FIELD REBUILD

Project EverGreen, members of the Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) and the City of Palm Spring Parks and Recreation Department teamed up on January 13 at Demuth Park in Palm Springs, California, to give the baseball fields at the city’s largest and most frequently used park a $40,000 makeover. The park is one of more than a dozen the City of Palm Springs manages.

More than 75 professional volunteers joined forces to deliver a professionally renovated baseball field for aspiring youth athletes and neighborhood residents. More than 130,000 square feet of turfgrass and infield playing surfaces were renovated, providing athletes of all ages and the community with a safer, more accessible ballfield and recreation space they can call their own.

The effort included expert sports field managers from throughout the nation, in town for the SFMA annual conference. In less than four hours, the ballfield was completely transformed, showcasing the power of collaboration and expertise.

“Transformations like these aren’t achieved by one person or group alone; it takes a community effort,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “In Palm Springs, we’ve seen firsthand how well maintained athletic fields and recreation spaces can strengthen the social fabric, offering a safe and welcoming environment for people to compete, exercise and connect outdoors.”

Project EverGreen works with under-resourced communities to renovate, maintain and make more accessible healthy playing fields, as well as to improve the environmental health of public green spaces. The 130,000 square feet of turfgrass at Demuth Park’s baseball fields is responsible for sequestering nearly 65 thousand pounds of carbon from the air annually, which produces nearly 98,000 cubic yards of clean air annually for the community using the park and neighboring the park.

Nicholas Gonzalez, director of parks and recreation for the City of Palm Springs, said the city is beyond grateful.

“I want to thank Project EverGreen and the Sports Field Management Association, who gave their time, talent and resources to transform our park,” said Gonzalez. “This gift is meaningful to our community who will continue to enjoy this space and create lasting memories with family and friends.”

The Demuth Park project, the fifth collaboration between SFMA and Project EverGreen included the following scope of work:

Establishing the radius on the baseball fields at 60 feet from the front of the pitching rubbers.
Removing all grass and/or topsoil from inside the 60-foot radius.
Removing any existing infield mix from beyond the 60-foot radius.
Supplying and installing infield mix and/or topsoil to establish the infield skin surface and infield perimeter.
Supplying and installing bermudagrass sod overseeded with perennial ryegrass to establish the 60-foot radius.
Supplying, installing and grading infield mix to cut high areas and fill low areas.
Supplying and installing new pitching rubbers, home plates and base sets at the required distances, alignment and elevations.
Supplying and installing mound clay to reinforce the home plate batter’s boxes and pitching areas.
Supplying and spreading 1 ton of conditioner on each infield.
Grooming ready for play.
Irrigation repairs including installation or adjustment of heads for the 60-foot radius and/or new heads for the remainder of the turf area in the outfields.

“It has become an annual tradition for our members to help rejuvenate a sports field in the community hosting our SFMA conference and we’re excited to be a part of this year’s transformative project at Demuth Park,” said SFMA Immediate Past President, Sun Roesslein, CSFM. “Our team of dedicated sports field managers brings unparalleled expertise to this project, and we’re honored to contribute our skills to give back to the Palm Springs community. Project EverGreen embodies SFMA’s steadfast commitment to ensure safe sports fields are available for people of all ages to practice, play, and compete.”

In-kind donors to the project include: Arborjet | Ecologel, Barenbrug, Bulldog Field Equipment, Ecologel, Great Western Sports Field, Hunter Industries, Pioneer Products, Profile Products, ProPeat, Rain Bird, Site One, Sports Field Solutions and West Coast Turf.

Since 2008, Project EverGreen has renovated more than 100 community parks and restored 200 million square feet of healthy turf across the country.

OPENING GENERAL SESSION

The Opening General Session, titled “Countdown to the World Cup 2026 – Behind-the-Scenes Look at Research and Preparation to Pull Off the World’s Largest Tournament” was presented by Alan Ferguson, senior pitch management manager for FIFA; Professor John “Trey” Rogers III, Ph.D. from Michigan State University; Ewen Hodge, senior pitch infrastructure manager, FIFA26 US Inc.; and Weston Appelfeller, senior manager, training pitch management at FIFA.

To successfully stage the world’s biggest sporting event, FIFA funded a collaborative research and development effort between Michigan State University and the University of Tennessee to prepare pitches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Opening General Session offered an in-depth overview of the research, with a focus on the challenges and progress in developing temporary playing surfaces for eight of the 16 stadiums. It also highlighted results from indoor testing conducted for the five domed venues and explore how the research has been applied to real-world scenarios.

F.I.E.L.D. FORUM

The F.I.E.L.D. Forum (Fostering Inclusion, Equity, Leadership and Diversity) was held January 16. Tara Furiani of Not the HR Lady presented “Game On: Leveling the Playing Field in Sports Field Management.”

Through a mix of pop culture references, storytelling and actionable strategies, participants discovered how subtle shifts in behavior and mindset can create a more diverse, innovative and successful workplace.

Attendees gained insight into the present state of diversity in the sports field management industry, focusing on the underrepresentation of women and marginalized groups, and how this impacts team dynamics, innovation and industry growth. They also learned strategies for promoting equity through shifts in language, team roles and behavior. Attendees also discovered effective ways to attract diverse talent from high schools and colleges, fostering early inclusion through mentorship programs, internships and partnerships with educational institutions.

SFMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SFMA also announced its 2025 Board of Directors during the SFMA Conference and Exhibition. The board officially took office at the Annual Meeting. The 2025 SFMA Board of Directors is as follows:

Officers

President:
Adam Thoms, Ph.D.

Immediate Past President:
Sun Roesslein, CSFM

President Elect:
Alpha Jones, CSFM

Secretary-Treasurer:
Casey Carrick, CSFM

Vice President Commercial:
Erin Wilder

Directors

Academic:
Chase Straw, Ph.D.

At-Large (elected):
Weston Floyd, CSFM

At-Large (appointed):
Lee Van Meeteren

Commercial:
Matthew Duncan, CSFM

Higher Education:
Jason DeMink, CSFM

Parks and Recreation:
Zack Holm, CSFM

Professional Facilities:
Dan Farnes

Schools K-12:
Jake Mays

STUDENT CHALLENGE

The SFMA Student Challenge featured students from 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities throughout the country competing in an exam that challenges knowledge in the sports field management industry. The winning teams received a cash award, a plaque and medallions for each team member. The prize money benefits the institution’s turfgrass program and creates opportunities for students pursuing a career in sports field management.

2-year winning teams

1st place: Mt. San Antonio Team 407 – Robyn Tom, Kevin Magana, Edward Kardish and Carlos Figueroa
2nd place: Mt. San Antonio Team 307 – Nicholas Elliott, Leonardo Colon-Guembes, Jessie Lerma and Mayra Rubio
3rd place: Mt. San Antonio Team 108 – Andreas Sanchez, Kevin Pulido, Mandy Flaig Bernard and Kenneth Rodriguez

4-year winning teams

1st place: Penn State Team 103 – Aidan Huedepohl, Joseph Lofland, Ryan Daub and Kyler Mcgowan
2nd place: Penn State Team 403 – Benjamin Wagner, Carter Marshall, Ian Bowes and Wilson Kretz
3rd place: Purdue Team 204 – Broden Piel, Hayden Fick, Hayden Wilson and Dylan Jake Tower

The SFMA Student Challenge is presented in partnership with the SAFE Foundation, Founding Partner Hunter Industries, and supporting sponsor Ewing.

SAFE

SFMA’s charity, the SAFE Foundation, once again held activities to raise funds for scholarships, education, outreach and research initiatives.

SAFE Golf Tournament

The SAFE Golf Tournament was held January 13 at Classic Club Golf Course in Palm Desert, California. Designed by Arnold Palmer, this 18-hole championship course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. Set against the backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains, the course is known for its generous landing areas and scenic views.

Proceeds benefited the SAFE Foundation’s scholarship, grant and research programs.

The winning team shot a 60

Chris Ball, CSFM
Casey Carrick, CSFM
Alan Dungey, CSFM
Brant Williams

SAFE Night of Bowling

Teams of five came together for the SAFE Night of Bowling and a chance to compete for prizes. The event was held at Yucca Bowl. The top winner was Sawyer Neuhaus with a score of 210. The winning team was Mike McDonald, CSFM; Greg Brodd; Ben Boeding, CSFM; Roger Weinbrenner, CSFM; Nick Wilz; Joe Churchill.

Live Auction

The SAFE Foundation Live Auction allowed attendees to bid on sports field management equipment and products, highly desired technology, and sports memorabilia.

SAFE grants and scholarships

Leo Goertz Membership Grant Awardee (sponsored by Pioneer Athletics) – Nathan James, Raleigh County Parks and Rec Authority
Darian Daily Legacy Scholarship – Paige Wildt, Southeast Missouri State University
Dr. James Watson Graduate Scholarship Winner (sponsored by Toro) – Conlan Burbrink, University of Tennessee
Dr. James Watson Undergraduate Scholarship Winners (sponsored by Toro) – Mayra Rubio, Mt. San Antonio College and Tristin Ziola, Michigan State University
Dr. Fred Grau Scholarship – Aidan Hackney, Ohio State University
Paul Zwaska Scholarship (presented by Beacon Athletics) – Keyshell Cole Hodgson, Iowa State University
SAFE Graduate Scholarship Winner – Ivan Navarrete, University of Tennessee
SAFE Undergraduate Scholarship Winner – Justin Spencer, Mississippi State University

AWARDS BANQUET

Founders Award Winners

SFMA’s highest honors, the four Founders Awards, recognize those members who have made significant contributions to SFMA and to the profession. This year’s SFMA Founders Award winners are as follows:

Dick Ericson Award – Larry DiVito, CSFM, head groundskeeper, Minnesota Twins

The Dick Ericson Award recognizes dedication, innovation and excellence in sports field management.

Larry DiVito was recognized for his unwavering commitment to excellence and an incredible work ethic. Throughout a decades-spanning career, he has worked more than 2,100 consecutive professional baseball games — a feat that speaks to his dedication and resilience. From rainstorms to snow to the intense heat of summer, he has faced every challenge head-on, always ensuring that the field he oversees is in pristine condition.

In addition, DiVito has mastered the science of agronomy, balancing sustainability with performance. Under his leadership, his facility earned SFMA’s Environmental Facility Certification and became the first sports franchise in the world to earn LEED Gold Certification for operations and maintenance.

Beyond the field, DiVito is a mentor and leader. His calm demeanor under pressure and ability to foster a collaborative and supportive work environment have shaped the careers of countless groundskeepers, many of whom have gone on to lead their own facilities. DiVito’s influence extends beyond his own field, impacting entire communities through field rebuild projects and providing fundraising opportunities to engage and inspire the next generation of turfgrass professionals.

Dr. William H. Daniel Award – Brad Park, Rutgers University

The Dr. William H. Daniel Award celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the sports field management industry through their dedication to research, teaching or extension.

SFMA Founders Awards - Brad Park — Photo by Mark Skalny

Brad Park embodies the spirit of this award, and has spent more than two decades working to make athletic fields safer and more sustainable. Park’s career has been dedicated to conducting practical, impactful research – often focusing on topics that others might overlook due to challenges in funding or implementation.

From traffic stress tolerance studies to projects on low-input turfgrasses, Park’s work has provided invaluable insights to athletic field managers across the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. Park’s hands-on approach involves testing turfgrass under real-world conditions, ensuring that the findings are both practical and applicable.

Park is well-known for his expertise in cool-season turfgrass species and cultural practices, and is a trusted resource for practitioners seeking advice on integrated pest management, species selection, and sustainable management practices. Park is a passionate educator who has guided countless students, helping them forge successful careers in the turfgrass industry.

Park is also a tireless volunteer, serving on numerous SFMA committees, including the Education Committee, where his thoughtful input has helped shape the organization’s programs and priorities.

George Toma Golden Rake Award – Nick McKenna, CSFM, assistant athletics director, sports fields, Texas A&M Athletics

The George Toma Golden Rake Award celebrates those who go above and beyond emphasizing the importance of the entire crew in effective sports field management, embodying the relentless work ethic and passion for excellence that George himself has demonstrated throughout his remarkable career.

Nick McKenna, CSFM, has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to improving athletic fields and mentoring the next generation of field managers. In addition to his technical expertise, McKenna has been a mentor, connector and friend to many in the industry.

From his early days as a groundskeeper to becoming the assistant athletic field manager at one of the nation’s top athletic programs, McKenna has consistently demonstrated an attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

His impact has also been felt through his volunteer work and service to SFMA. He served as president, led the organization through a major rebranding initiative and later returned to the board during a critical time of need. McKenna’s selflessness, integrity, and dedication to advancing the profession are truly inspiring.

He is committed to elevating the professional image, growing SFMA membership, and ensuring that sports field managers have the resources they need to succeed. He has worked tirelessly to ensure fields are not only safe and functional, but also reflect the expertise and passion of those who maintain them.

Harry C. Gill Founders Award – Paula Sliefert, marketing expert

The Harry Gill Award celebrates extraordinary leadership, dedication and a commitment to the betterment of the profession.

Paula Sliefert exemplifies these qualities and has been a beacon of professionalism and a tireless advocate for sports field managers. Her efforts to create meaningful connections and foster growth have left an indelible mark on the sports field management community. Sliefert has a remarkable ability to connect people with resources, opportunities and guidance — always with the goal of helping others succeed.

Throughout her career, Sliefert has served on countless boards within the green industry, strengthening relationships between organizations such as PGMS and NRPA, and bringing invaluable insights back to SFMA. Her thoughtful approach to leadership, both in and out of the boardroom, ensures decisions are made with a focus on long-term impact and strategic alignment.

Sliefert has also been a passionate champion for diversity, inclusion and equity within sports field management. Her efforts to grow initiatives like Women in Turf and to create a welcoming environment for all conference attendees highlight her deep commitment to making this industry a place where everyone can thrive.

Field of the Year Winners

The 2024 SFMA Field of the Year Award winners are as follows:

PROFESSIONAL

Baseball – Hammons Field, Springfield Cardinals, Springfield, Missouri, Nathan Strait and Derek Edwards
Soccer – Louisville City FC/Racing Louisville, Lynn Family Stadium, Louisville, Kentucky, Aaron Fink

COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY

Baseball – Georgia Southern University, J.J. Clements Stadium, Statesboro, Georgia, Joe Stumpo
Football – Arizona State University, Mountain American Stadium, Tempe, Arizona, Josh Lenz
Soccer – Mississippi State University, MSU Soccer Field, Starkville, Mississippi, Brandon Hardin
Softball – University of Georgia Athletic Association, Jack Turner Softball Stadium, Athens, Georgia, Brandi “BJ” Thomas

SCHOOLS AND PARKS

Baseball – Corona Del Mar High School, Sea King Field, Newport Beach, California, Kevin McCaffrey
Football – The Westminster Schools, Fritz-Orr Field at Thompson Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, Jake Mays
Soccer – City of Surprise, The Fields at Countryside, Surprise, Arizona, Steve Hamilton, CSFM
Softball – Ogden School District, Ben Lomond Scots Softball Field, Ogden, Utah, Brett Barker

[Second-level subhead] CSFM Class of 2024

The following sports field managers earned their CSFM status in 2024:

Christopher Gibbs, CSFM
Jonathan Waszak, CSFM
Brett Embler, CSFM
Matthew Krebsbach, CSFM
Jeffrey Foor, CSFM
Eric Harshman, CSFM
Cole Walker, CSFM

SFMA Innovative Award winners

The SFMA Innovative Award is given to one or more exhibitors whose innovation has made the sports field manager more effective or the playing surface safer. The 2025 winning products were as follows:

Hunter Wireless Valve Link (WVL)

Running wire from the controller to field valves can be time-consuming, labor-intensive and expensive. The Hunter Wireless Valve Link (WVL) system uses LoRa Technology so you can easily connect valves without running additional wires or cutting into hardscape. It features simple, wire-free connections, works with Hunter ICC2 and HCC controllers, and is compatible with Centralus and Hydrawise Software. The WVL adds up to 54 valves (+P/MV) up to 2,000 feet line-of-sight or more with a repeater. License-free LoRa Technology enables wireless communication directly to the valve box — no copper field wiring required. WVL combines with conventional ICM or two-wire EZDS modules for ultimate flexibility.

Wiedenmann STrac 720 with ST 170 flex fraise mowing head

The STrac 720 with the ST 170 flex fraise mowing head is a pedestrian fraise mower that will fraise mow the infield and outfield lips of a baseball field, creating a safer playing surface. By eliminating these lips, you are removing a tripping hazard by leveling the surface and also reducing the unpredictable bounce of a baseball that can occur when the ball is hit into the lip. The transition zone(s) between the infield and outfield is smooth and level due to the application from the STrac 720 with the ST 170 flex fraise mowing head. The STrac 720 is a multipurpose machine with other heads that can be quickly swapped out. Other heads include a verticutting head, coring head, sod cutting head, sand fill head and several seeder heads.

The SFMA’s Innovative Awards Program celebrates commercial members who have developed cutting-edge products, services, equipment, or technologies that advance the field of sports field management. A dedicated SFMA Innovative Awards Task Group meticulously evaluates each entry based on a range of criteria, including need fulfillment, creativity, resource savings, technological\advancement, ease of use, productivity improvements, quality enhancements, environmental protection and overall efficiency gains.

Professional Baseball Sports Turf Managers Symposium

The Professional Baseball Sports Turf Managers Symposium was held January 15-16 in conjunction with the 2025 SFMA Conference and Exhibition in Palm Springs, California.

The annual symposium provides valuable insights into many aspects of professional development and groundskeeping, as well as the opportunity to develop relationships.

More than 85 groundskeepers plus sponsors attended the 2025 symposium. Presentations were geared toward Minor League Baseball and professional baseball groundskeepers, and session topics included the following:

Review and clarification of PDL guidelines and new rules for the 2025 season – presented by MLB representatives via Zoom.
Maintaining Sand-Based Fields – presented by Dr. Bryan Hopkins, BYU.
Work/Life Balance – presented by Joey Stevenson, Indianapolis Indians.
Infield Skin Maintenance – presented by Matt Parrott, Charlotte Knights.
Umpire Relations — Trevor Dannegger, AAA Umpire.

Ewing Outdoor Solutions and Sygenta served as presenting sponsors for the 2025 symposium. Sponsor partners included DuraEdge Engineered Soils, Beacon Athletics, Mountain View Seeds/MVP Genetics, Hunter Industries and SiteOne Sports Fields.

The symposium leadership team included Marcus Campbell, St. Paul Saints; Dan Douglas, Reading Fightin’ Phils; Andy Gossel, Lehigh Valley IronPigs; Ben Hartman, Witchita Storm Surge; Mitch Hooten, West Michigan White Caps; Morgan Hunter, Quad City River Bandits; Jeff Jackson, Oklahoma City Comets; Kyle Leppelmeier, Toledo MudHens; Nick Rozdilski, Round Rock Express; Tim Siegel, Kannapolis Cannon Ballers; and Keith Winter, Fort Wayne TinCaps.

Rising Star Award winners recognized

SportsField Management magazine recognized the 2024 Rising Star Award winners on Thursday, January 16 during the SFMA Conference and Exhibition.

SportsField Management magazine associate publisher and editorial brand director, John Kmitta, presented the winners with their awards at the SportsField Management booth on the exhibit hall floor. Winners also received plaques with personalized magazine covers recognizing their achievement.

SFMA President Adam Thoms, Ph.D., and Immediate Past President Sun Roesslein, CSFM, were on hand to recognize the winners, as was Brandon Cox of Rising Star Awards sponsor STEC Equipment. SFMA attendees – including past Rising Star Award winners – were also on hand to celebrate and support the 2024 class of Rising Stars.

The 2024 winners were as follows:

Colt Boxler

Andy Hebrard

Morgan Hunter

Danny Losito, CSFM

Jake Mays