Toro names 2015 Super Bowl Sports Turf Training Program winner

The Toro Company announced Zachery S. Avers is this year’s winner of the annual Toro Super Bowl Sports Turf Training Program. Avers, a student at Ohio State University (OSU), will assist the grounds crew for NFL’s Super Bowl XLIX at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

Since 1967, Toro has partnered with the NFL in providing equipment to prepare the game field and multiple practice fields leading up to the Super Bowl. In 2003, Toro and the NFL established the Super Bowl Sports Turf Training Program. Developed to recognize one student who has shown exemplary skill in turf management, the program encourages emerging sports turf professionals to practice their craft by assisting the grounds crew for this high-profile game.

“Most people have a vision of what they want to be when they grow up, and I have always envisioned myself taking care of turf,” Avers says. “By keeping a positive attitude and continuously adding to my repertoire of experiences, I plan on watching my professional turf career grow exponentially.”

Avers is scheduled to graduate from OSU in May of 2015, and has played an important role at the OSU varsity athletics facilities since March of 2012. In addition to his work at OSU, he is also manager of G.V.V.B. lawn mowing service. Previous to his current positions, he was head turf specialist at Schedel Arboretum and Gardens in Elmore, Ohio. He has also completed internships at Scotts LawnService and the Arsenal Football Club in England.

Avers was selected from a large pool of talented candidates.

“This is a very high-level training experience for young turf professionals,” says Dale Getz, CSFM, sports fields and grounds sales manager at Toro. “We are proud that our partnership with the NFL continues to provide great exposure for emerging professionals in the turf industry, and continues to provide opportunities to further develop their skills.”

This is the 13th year that Toro and the NFL have provided this opportunity for students in the field of turf management.