STMA says now is the time to prepare for awards

Applications for the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) awards program, scholarship and grants programs will open later this month. The deadline to submit for all programs is Oct. 15.

STMA said now is the time to begin assembling the information for an application. There are six specific programs:

Field of the Year: This is awarded to natural grass fields that exhibit excellent playability and safety and whose managers utilize innovative solutions, effectively use their budget and have implemented a comprehensive agronomic program. Fields may be entered for the sports of baseball, softball, football, soccer and sporting grounds (nonmainstream sports such as lacrosse, rugby, horse racing tracks, etc.) These awards are given in three categories: schools/parks, colleges and universities and professional stadiums. It’s sponsored by Carolina Green Corp., Precision Laboratories, World Class Athletic Surfaces and John Deere

SAFE Turfgrass Scholarships: The awards are given to students who are pursuing turfgrass management or post-graduate research. Several of these are named in Dr. James Watson’s name and are completely funded by The Toro Co.

SAFE non-Turfgrass Scholarship: The Darian Daily Legacy Scholarship is named in honor of a legendary supporter of STMA and SAFE and a family man. It’s awarded to dependents of members who are pursuing a field of academic study outside of the turfgrass industry.

Leo Goertz Membership Grant: Multiple grants are awarded to sports field managers or crew members who are not members of STMA. This grant is generously supported by Pioneer Athletics.

Gary Vanden Berg Internship Grant: Named in honor of Gary Vanden Berg, CSFM, for his contributions to the industry in promoting internships, students who have interned are eligible to submit post-internship to augment their internship wages.

Terry Mellor Continuing Education Grant: This named grant provides funding for a STMA chapter member to attend the STMA annual conference. This grant is made possible through the support of Turface Athletics.