The Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) proudly announced the winners of the 2026 SFMA Student Challenge, recognizing outstanding student achievement in sports field management, turf science and facility operations. The SFMA Student Challenge is presented in partnership with the SAFE Foundation, founding partner Hunter Industries, and supporting sponsor SiteOne Landscape Supply. The annual competition highlights emerging professionals who demonstrate excellence in research, problem-solving, and applied field management strategies.
This year’s challenge brought together student teams from leading academic programs across the country. Participants presented comprehensive solutions addressing real-world field management scenarios, including surface performance optimization, environmental stewardship, and operational efficiency.
The 2026 SFMA Student Challenge winners are as follows:
2-year programs
- First-place: Mt. San Antonio College, Team 202 – Team Members: Leonardo Colon-Guembes, Edward Kardish, Tera Gavela and Andres Sanchez
- Second place: Penn State University, Team 104 – Team Members: Jaime Canal Campos, Augustus Holt, Tyler Bechtel, and Ernesto Martinez
- Third place – Mt. San Antonio College, Team 302 – Team Members: Mandy Flaig Bernard, Kevin Pulido, Mayra Rubio, and Brian Valencia
4-year programs
- First-place: Penn State University, Team 203 – Team Members: Wilson Kreitz, Joseph Lofland, Carter Marshall, and Jacob Straw
- Second place: Michigan State University, Team 102 – Team Members: Elijah Delany, Bailey Rank, and Zach Flink
- Third place – Iowa State University, Team 301 – Team Members: Matthew Hanten, Benjamin Kuiters, Logan McDonough, and Hayden Spore
Winning teams were evaluated by a panel of industry professionals based on technical rigor, innovation, feasibility, and presentation quality. The first-place teams were awarded a $5,000 prize to enhance the educational resources available to students interested in sports field management (either through the creation of an athletic sports field learning lab or for the purchase of athletic-sports-field-specific equipment and products).
“Each year, the Student Challenge demonstrates the exceptional talent entering our profession,” said Sarah Martin, CSFM, chair of the Student Challenge Committee. “These students represent the future of sports field management, bringing fresh perspectives and evidence-based solutions to the industry’s evolving challenges.”
The SFMA Student Challenge is a cornerstone initiative supporting education, professional growth, and workforce development in the sports field management profession.