STMA opens up Stars and Stripes contest

The Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) is kicking off its third annual “Stars and Stripes” contest.

Members craft Fourth of July-themed field designs with mowing equipment or paint for eligibility to win complimentary registration to the 2019 STMA Annual Conference in Phoenix, Ariz. Additionally, a poster of the winning field will be on display at the conference. Entries will be submitted via Facebook through July 8. The general public may vote via Facebook from July 9 to 15. The design receiving the largest amount of votes will be declared winner, upon verification.

“This contest provides an opportunity for sports turf managers to showcase their creativity with a fun patriotic twist,” says Kim Heck, CEO of STMA. “We’ve seen some stellar field art over the years and look forward to seeing what our members come up with this year.”

Last year’s winner was Andrew Marking, head groundskeeper for the Quad Cities River Bandits (Davenport, Iowa), the Class-A affiliate of the Houston Astros. With the help of Assistant Groundskeeper Andrew Anderson, Marking crafted a “Banks of the Mississippi River” field pattern at Modern Woodmen Park. The intricate design generated nearly 200 Facebook “likes.” Marking’s experience in the turf industry includes stints with the 2015 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, Texas Rangers, Louisville Bats and Purdue Athletics.

“Patriotic Beaver,” “9/11 Remembrance Night,” “Old Glory” and “Merry Merica Day” were among the 2017 designs submitted by turf professionals from major sports leagues, NCAA and parks and recreation sectors.

Only STMA members are eligible to enter and previous winners will not be considered.