SUNY Cobleskill wins New York Turf Bowl

SUNY Cobleskill won the Turf Bowl at the New York State Turfgrass Association Turf and Grounds Expo in Rochester last month.

The college earned the Top 3 individual spots in the competition, which featured 31 students, including 15 from Cobleskill. During the annual competition, students identify turf grasses, weeds, insects and diseases. Student teams also work together on management-related questions and an essay question.

Cobleskill’s top team, which took first-place honors in the Baccalaureate Division, consisted of David Vastola, Matthew McGrane, Christopher Duffy and Stan Zombek. Vastola earned the top individual spot with 107 points. McGrane placed second with 100, followed by Zombek with 93. Duffy had 90 points.

“I’m very proud of them,” says Alex Ellram, the team’s coach and a professor in the Department of Plant Science. “They did a phenomenal job. I’m looking forward to seeing how they compete in the New England show and nationals.”

Cobleskill’s second four-year team also had a strong showing, led by Joshua Fontaine and Brodie Sherbourne, who each had 92 points. Bradford Chilion had 90 and Shaun Weyer 86.

Three students also earned scholarships. Vastola won the $1,000 Hahn Memorial Scholarship, and Zombek received the $1,000 Steven V. Moffett III Scholarship. Sean Nolan earned the NYSTA scholarship for $750.

Ellram says Cobleskill will have a team at the national Turf Bowl competition, which is set for Feb. 7, 2013, in San Diego at the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America annual conference. Cobleskill will also be represented at the New England Turf Bowl, scheduled for March 6, 2013, in Providence, R.I., at the New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation show.