TXSTMA - Sidelines Fall 2015

Texas Sports Turf Managers Association Txstma.org

Providing education and training for safer and healthier sports turf facilities

September

DFW Scholarship Clay Shoot A great day and a great cause!

Fall 2015

It’s Time (Sorry, borrowed line from the 2015 West Division Champion Texas Rangers) It is Time for another turning of the page on the calendar to the Fall/Winter months ahead. The excitement of baseball playoffs, the intense rivalries of college football and the Sunday afternoon body smashing hits of your favorite NFL team. But it is also Time for your professional organization TXSTMA to start recruiting new board members to help serve as leaders of this great state’s turf professionals. If you have never served on a board don’t be shy. It does add some extra work to your already busy lives but not much. For you young guys just getting started in the industry you will be working side by side with the top sports field managers in the industry. We have a great mix of professionals currently on the board from pro level sports all the way to recreational level as well a great mix of professional vendor representation and our professor educational advisors. Most board terms positions are 2 years in length, but in the grand scheme of things it is not that much extra time commitment. I promise that you will get more ROI Return On Investment/professional enlightenment from serving on this board than you could ever imagine. I say that with great appreciation from my past experiences being on this board. Please consider putting your name in the hat to run for one of our board positions that will come open in December.

TXSTMA is on a membership growing trend. Our membership number now exceeds 200. The only way that TXSTMA can continue to grow is through your loyal support as well as you encouraging others to join. We will continue to try to offer as many educational events that we can as long as we have membership support attending those events. We are always looking for field day venues to hold our events so if you have facilities that you are proud of don’t hesitate to call a board member or our Chapter Executive to let them know you want to host an event.

We will soon be emailing out some bylaws changes proposal that our membership will need to vote on at our upcoming annual meeting. We will hold the bylaws vote at the TTA winter conference in beautiful San Antonio on December 15-17. Part of those bylaws changes are just some general wording clarifications. As part of those bylaws changes we are also proposing to adopt a Financial SOP document that will allow the board operational oversite for day to day expenditures. When writing this proposal we did solicit help and advice from STMA on the Financial SOP that we are wanting to adopt. It will align our bylaws to a similar structure as the National STMA bylaws which does have a Financial SOP. Please take a look at the proposed changes and if you have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to contact myself or another board member. Thanks and I hope to see you in San Antonio in December.

Sincerely your friend in Turf, Rusty Walker, CSFM

Thank you to our 2015 Star Sponsors.

Your generous support is greatly appreciated.

2015 Three-Star Sponsor

October 14, 2015 Texas A&M University—Turfgrass Research Field Day College Station Afternoon Athletic Field Tours hosted by TXSTMA Page 6 for Details November 11, 2015 Region 2 Clay Shoot Scholarship Fundraiser November 12, 2015 Region 3 Clay Shoot Scholarship Fundraiser Thanks to sponsor BASF our speakers at both events will be: Dr. John Cisar Dr. Casey Reynolds Details to follow at TXSTMA.org December 16, 2015 TXSTMA Annual Meeting Held in Conjunction with the Texas Turfgrass Association Annual Conference San Antonio, Texas

2015 One Star Sponsors

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Important Deadlines: October 15 Three important Awards programs have submittal deadlines of Oct. 15:

Founders Awards - These four awards are named in honor of STMA's four founders: Dr. Dick Ericson, George Toma, Dr. William Daniel, and Harry Gill.

This is your opportunity to nominate a peer who exemplifies the characteristics of a particular founder. The STMA Board of Directors independently votes on those nominated, and the four winners are kept secret until announced during the STMA Awards banquet, which will be Jan. 22 in San Diego. Click here to see a list of previous winners.

Field of the Year Awards - These awards are given in three categories: high school/parks, college and university, and professional in five sports: baseball, softball, football, soccer, and sporting grounds. Sports turf managers need to fill out an application and submit the required materials, which include photos, a detailed overview of management practices, budget, and scores from four Playing Condition Index evaluations. The entries are independently judged by the STMA Awards Committee. and winners will be notified in November. Find out how to prepare a winning entry here.

Innovative Awards - Commercial companies that are exhibiting at the 2016 conference are eligible to submit for an Innovative Award. One or more awards may be given to companies that provide a new product, service or piece of equipment that substantially enhances the effectiveness of the sports turf manager and/or make the surfaces safer and more playable for athletes. To fill out the on-line application, click here. Awards are judged by an Innovative Awards Judging panel made up of practitioner and academic members (no commercial members) and winners announced during the first day of the STMA trade show on Thurs., Jan. 21. Winners receive recognition, a plaque and the opportunity to use the innovative award logo.

STMA October Webinar Schedule: Plant Soil Interactions with Dr. Nick Christians on Thursday, October 22 at 12 pm EDT - Register Here Natural Grass Fields – From Construction to Performance and Perception with Dr. Brad Fresenburg on Tuesday, October 27 at 12 pm EDT - Register Here Advanced Weed Control for Athletic Field Turf with Dr. Jared Hoyle on Friday, October 30 at 11 am EDT - Register Here

Upcoming Webinars: The 2016 Conference Education Program is packed full of exciting and informative presentations. This year speakers have volunteered to present short 15-30 minute webinars prior to the conference as an introduction to their education session. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to prepare for conference education sessions.

Recorded Webinars: Athletic Field Renovation Tips - Presented by Jeff Fowler Click HERE to view the recorded webinar.

Smart Irrigation Practices - Presented by Dr. Alec Kowalewski Click HERE Back to Basics: Understanding Turfgrass Fertility - Presented by Dr. Bryan Hopkins Click HERE How Mowing Affects Turfgrass - Presented by Dr. Doug Linde Click HERE Maintaining Athletic Fields on a Limited Budget - Presented by Dr. Brad Fresenburg Click HERE

Click the STMA Logo to view the 2016 Conference Packet.

We look forward to seeing everyone in San Diego!

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) is proposing revisions for pesticide applicators who apply restricted use pesticides. The goal of this proposed rule is to reduce the likelihood of harm from the misapplication of toxic pesticides and ensure a consistent level of protection among states. US EPA has determined that use of restricted use pesticides would be safer with increased supervision and oversight. US EPA is proposing stricter standards for people certified to use restricted use pesticides and to require all people who apply restricted use pesticides to be at least 18 years old. Certifications would be renewed every three years. Additional specialized licensing is also proposed for certain methods of application that can pose greater risks if not conducted properly, such as fumigation and aerial application. Individuals working under the supervision of certified applicators would now need training on using pesticides safely.

The public comment period is open and can be accessed at http://bit.ly/1VfTPS6 for docket number# EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0183. US EPA is accepting comments on the proposal until November 23, 2015. Learn more about the proposal and certification for pesticide applicators: http://1.usa.gov/1DGYyKh

Commissioner Miller Applauds Decision by Federal Judge to Halt Water Rule AUSTIN - Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today applauded a federal court’s decision to block the expansion of the Clean Water Act by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The new Clean Water Act requirements took effect today. The injunction out of North Dakota impacts the 13 states that were part of the lawsuit filed in North Dakota in June 2015.

“More than half of the states in this country have filed lawsuits against the EPA, and the latest court ruling gives me hope that we will be able to stop the EPA from further harming our agriculture industry and economy here in Texas,” Commissioner Miller said. “Texas landowners still need to be on alert, because the EPA maintains that Texas is not impacted by the court’s decision in North Dakota. The EPA’s attempt to control our waters through the expansion of the Clean Water Act is a threat to private property rights, individual freedom and economic growth in our country. We must continue to fight to protect our landowners.”

Despite the fact that Texas is not included in this lawsuit, Commissioner Miller sees the latest ruling as an important step in halting EPA’s burdensome overregulation and attempt to expand the Clean Water Act. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is a plaintiff in a lawsuit filed in the Southern District Court of Texas. Included in the lawsuit filed by the State of Texas are the following parties: TDA, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Texas Department of Transportation, Texas General Land Office, Railroad Commission of Texas, Texas Water Development Board, State of Louisiana and State of Mississippi.

EPA’s ruling concerning new waters that would fall under jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act is overly broad and open to bureaucratic interpretation and abuse. Ultimately, the impact of this rule will mean higher production prices for agricultural producers and higher food prices at the grocery store for consumers. Additionally, the ruling will potentially have a negative environmental impact, because lands previously set aside for conservation may now be placed back into production to make up for lost revenue.

“By expanding the definition of what constitutes the waters of the United States, the EPA is essentially burying Texas landowners in a mountain of burdensome permitting and paperwork, all of which will be micromanaged by the federal government,” Commissioner Miller said. “Our farmers and ranchers are the original environmentalists, conservationists and stewards of the land. They know how to protect the land far better than any bureaucrat in Washington.”

On Wednesday, September 29, Region 1 members of the Texas STMA gathered for a great education program and a very fun Sporting Clay shooting tournament at the Elm Fork Shooting Range in Dallas. Close to 30 members participated and earned 5 TDA CEUs for their effort.

The day started early with a 7:00 am “Sunrise Registration” and education started promptly at 7:30 am. Laura Miller, Texas AgriLife Commercial Horticulture Extension Agent for Tarrant County , kicked off the education with a presentation covering Laws and Regulations. She provided very timely information including a new regulation from the EPA which may change the way pesticide licenses are obtained and maintained. More information regarding this issue can be found on page 7 of this newsletter. Thank you Ms. Miller for taking the time out of your very busy schedule to join us at Elm Fork.

Gary Brooks, Bayer Turf and Ornamental Sales Representative, finished up the education seminar with great insect and disease control information. Gary never disappoints with his laid back presentation style and he’s been known to tell a few tall Texan yarns. Gary, we wouldn’t trade you for anyone, thanks for keeping things lively and being a part of the program.

Following the education, members took a quick break for lunch then headed straight to the gun range for some shooting fun. 17 shooters were broke in to teams and completed the “Woods Course”. Turns out some TXSTMA members are really great shots and really ready for hunting season, and let’s just say that others must really be working hard…..

Thanks to all who participated. Please enjoy all of the photos from the event on the following pages. We also want to shout out to our very generous sponsors who made the event possible. Visit our FLICKR album to view all of the photos from the day. CLICK HERE

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Champions

Lucky Drawing Winners

Runner Ups

3rd Place

Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua L.) Herbicide Resistance Management Matt Elmore, Ph.D., Casey Reynolds, Ph.D. and Paul Baumann, Ph.D. Annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) is one of the most problematic weeds of highly managed turfgrasses on lawns, athletic fields, and golf courses (Fig. 1). It is a winter annual with a clumping growth habit that can produce over 2,000 seeds per plant, and unlike many other weeds species it can persists at extremely low mowing heights. Annual bluegrass germinates in the fall, grows throughout the winter, and produces a panicle-type inflorescence (Fig. 2) during the spring months that is often unsightly and can even disrupt play on golf course putting greens.

Annual bluegrass is actively growing during a time of year when warm-season turfgrasses such as bermudagrass and zoysiagrass are dormant or semi-dormant and thus not competing for light, water, and nutrients. If left untreated, it can spread rapidly due to its prolific seed production. There are many herbicides labeled for control of annual bluegrass but due to restrictions in overseeding, use site, turf species, etc., turfgrass managers are often limited to just a few products, active ingredients (ai), and modes of action (MOA). Heavy reliance on herbicides for annual bluegrass control combined with its biology increases the likelihood that resistance to herbicides will develop, particularly when the same herbicide has been used for several consecutive years. This publication will discuss resistance, how it develops, and what tools and strategies turfgrass managers can use to combat it.

Casey Reynolds Ph.D.

Tolerance vs. Resistance

Herbicide tolerance is the inherent ability of a plant to survive and reproduce following a herbicide dose lethal to other plant species. For example, almost all annual bluegrass biotypes will survive or ‘tolerate’ an application of the synthetic auxin herbicide 2,4-D, because 2,4-D is not designed to control annual bluegrass. Therefore, annual bluegrass would be considered ‘tolerant’ to this herbicide.

Herbicide resistance, on the other hand, is the inherited ability of a plant to survive a normally lethal herbicide dose. For example, annual bluegrass biotypes will not typically survive following the application of an acetolactate synthase- (ALS) inhibitor such as Revolver™ (foramsulfuron) or Monument™ (trifloxysulfuron-sodium), so an annual bluegrass biotype not controlled by these herbicides would therefore be considered ‘resistant’.

How Does Herbicide Resistance Develop?

Matthew Elmore Ph.D.

Many herbicides provide weed control by inhibiting the function a single plant enzyme or protein in susceptible plants. This enzyme is referred to as the site of action. Inhibiting the site of action disrupts essential plant processes and eventually causes plant death. A very small change in this target site enzyme - often referred to

as a target site mutation - can prevent the herbicide from inhibiting the site of action. If the herbicide is unable to bind with and inhibit the target site, it will not kill the plant. This is why increasing the herbicide rate will not usually control resistant plants. For example, to provide control of a simazine-resistant biotype in Mississippi, 1300 times more simazine was required to achieve control when compared to the non-resistant population. In addition to conferring resistance to a particular herbicide, target site mutations usually confer resistance to all other herbicides that inhibit the same target site.

Non-target site based resistance can also occur where biotypes of a given weed may exhibit differential uptake, translocation, sequestration or metabolic detoxification of a given herbicide, than the predominant biotypes present at the location. Non-target site based resistance mechanisms can confer resistance to multiple herbicide MOA. Non-target site based resistance has not been reported in turfgrass to date, however it is very prevalent in resistant weeds of cropping systems across the U.S. Repeated use of herbicides with the same MOA increases the likelihood that herbicide resistance will develop. This is because herbicides do not cause mutations, but instead allow plants with mutations that confer resistance to grow and reproduce while susceptible plants are controlled. This allows the population to shift rapidly in favor of the resistant plant, especially in the case of a prolific seed producer such as annual bluegrass.

Herbicide Resistance is Widespread

Paul Baumann Ph.D.

Herbicide resistance in turfgrass was first reported in 1982, when annual bluegrass resistant to the photosystem-II (PSII) inhibiting herbicide simazine was identified in Japan. In a 2004 survey of 20 golf courses in Mississippi, 18 of the 20 locations had simazine-resistant annual bluegrass. More recently, annual bluegrass biotypes with resistance to other PSII inhibitors (e.g., amicarbazone), microtubule inhibitors (e.g., prodiamine, pendimethalin, and dithiopyr), EPSP synthase inhibitors (e.g., glyphosate), and ALS inhibitors (e.g., foramsulfuron or trifloxysulfuron-sodium) have been reported in many states across the southeast.

In most cases of annual bluegrass resistance, resistance to only one MOA is observed. However, resistance to more than one MOA is also possible. This is called multiple resistance and is defined as a biotype with resistance to more than one herbicidal MOA. The first annual bluegrass population with multiple resistance was recently reported in Tennessee and was resistant to both ALS and PSII-inhibitors, which severely limits options for annual bluegrass control. An increasing number of weeds with resistance to multiple herbicide MOA’s is occurring in croplands throughout the Midwestern U.S. Failure to address the problem of weed resistance in turfgrass cultures would allow the same scenario to play out.

Scouting for Herbicide Resistant Weeds Scouting to identify possible biotypes of herbicide resistant weeds is an important management strategy. After herbicide applications, looking for weed control failures can help determine possible resistant biotypes. Plants displaying herbicide injury symptoms among unaffected plants is an indicator that plants may be herbicide resistant (Fig. 3). However, before immediately assuming weed escapes are due to resistance, keep in mind that herbicide applications can fail to control weeds for several reasons (growth stage, application rate and uniformity, timing, temperature, etc.).

If small populations of herbicide resistant weeds are suspected, it is important to control them as soon as possible. This could involve hand removal or spot treatment with a different herbicidal MOA. In theory, a resistant population originates from a single plant, but is often not detected for several generations until the population is large enough to be noticeable.

For example, failure of a pre-emergence herbicide in patches, especially patches that increase in size from year to year and re-occur in the same place may be the result of herbicide resistance.

Since it may not be feasible to spot treat every weed escape after an application, looking for small clusters of annual bluegrass plants, especially those among plants that were controlled, is a more practical approach.

In cases where herbicide resistant biotypes are detected, it is important to rotate to a new herbicide with one or more different MOAs for weed control in subsequent years. Once a resistant annual bluegrass population becomes established it is not known how many years are required to exhaust the seeds of that resistant population. However, annual

bluegrass seeds are thought to be viable for at least six years in the soil, Both herbicides shown below have the WSSA so once annual bluegrass resistant to a certain MOA has been identified, group number prominently displayed on the do not rely on that MOA alone in subsequent years. label. This simplifies the process of selecting herbicides with different modes of action.

Preventing Resistance “Group 2” indicates that his herbicide inhibits the acetolactate synthase (ALS) enzyme.

Application of herbicides with the same MOA in successive years in“Group 29” indicates that this herbicide inhibcreases the likelihood that resistant populations will proliferate. Modern its cellulose biosynthesis. herbicides are highly effective and capable of controlling up to 100% of a given population. This provides an excellent opportunity for a resistant biotype to proliferate since all of the competition is eliminated. Therefore, an ideal herbicide program should be designed to prevent development of herbicide-resistant annual bluegrass by switching MOA. A survey of golf courses in Mississippi conducted by Hutto et al. (2004) determined that 38% of courses with greater than 5 years of continuous simazine use had resistant annual bluegrass populations. On courses with less than 5 years of continuous use, resistant populations were only found on 10% of courses.

Budgeting and planning for herbicide programs that utilize a different MOA from year to year can help manage the occurrence of resistant biotypes. Applying herbicides with a different MOA separately or in tankmixtures over the course of the same season is another strategy.

For the completion of this article and more photos, CLICK HERE Are You Connected with TXSTMA? We hope you are enjoying all of the new communication vehicles we are using to reach our members!

Please make sure your email address is current so you don’t miss out.

Let us know at txstmainfo@yahoo.com You can also “Like” us on Facebook and “Follow” us on Twitter!

Herbicides Registered for Annual Bluegrass Control in Warm-Season Turfgrass

Timing

Pre

Pre/Post

Post

Post, nonselective

Active Ingredient Bensulide2,5 Benefin Dithiopyr2,5 Oryzalin Pendimethalin Prodiamine Trifluralin+Benefin Flumioxazin1, 4 Oxadiazon Dimethenamid Metolachlor Indaziflam1,3 Pronamide Atrazine1 Simazine1 Ethofumesate Bispyribac-sodium Chlorsulfuron1 Flazasulfuron1 Foramsulfuron1,2 Imazapic Rimsulfuron1,2 Sulfosulfuron3 Trifloxysulfuron1 Amicarbazone Metribuzin1

Trade Name Bensumec, others Balan, others Dimension, others Surflan, others Pendulum, others Barricade, others Team SureGuard Ronstar, others Tower Pennant Magnum Specticle Kerb, others Aatrex, others Princep Prograss Velocity Corsair Katana Revolver Plateau Rimsulfuron 25 DF Certainty Monument Xonerate Sencor

Glyphosate4

Roundup, others

Glufosinate4 Diquat4

Finale Reward, others

Mode of Action (HRAC Group, WSSA Group) Lipid synthesis inhibition (N,8)

Microtubule assembly inhibition (K1,3)

Protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibition (E,14) Very long chain fatty acid synthesis inhibition (K3,15) Cellulose biosynthesis inhibition (L, 29) Microtubule assembly inhibition (K1,3) Photosystem-II inhibition (C1,5) Lipid synthesis inhibition (N,8)

Acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibition (B,2)

Photosystem II inhibition (C1,5) Enolpyruvyl shikimate-3 phosphate (EPSP) synthase inhibition (G,9) Glutamine synthetase inhibition (H,10) Photosystem-I-electron diversion (D,22)

1

Avoid tracking or movement after application onto adjacent sensitive grasses, including bentgrass putting greens

2

Registered for use on ultradwarf bermudagrass putting greens

3

Apply prior to annual bluegrass tillering for best results

4

Apply to dormant bermudagrass only. See supplemental label for use in turfgrass.

5

Some formulations labeled for use on bentgrass putting greens Mention of trade name or commercial products in the publication is only for the purpose of illustration and does not imply recommendation or endorsement of any kind by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Always read the label for up-to-date information on product use and turfgrass tolerance.

For the completion of this article and more photos, CLICK HERE

Scholarships Applications Now Available DEADLINE November 15!

Two Great Opportunities - the Dr. James McAfee Scholarship and the Cody Hobbs Scholarship The Texas STMA established a scholarship fund to promote the sports turf profession to students interested in turfgrass management and to assist sports turf professionals seeking to improve through continuing education courses. These scholarships promote the sports turf management profession as a career choice and demonstrates the necessity of the sports turf manager as a vital position within any organization that provides sports fields.

The Dr. James McAfee Scholarship will be awarded to a student enrolled in a turf management or agronomy program, with emphasis in sports turf management, at a four-year college or university. Applicants do not have to be current members of Texas STMA. This scholarship is awarded based on criteria adopted from the STMA SAFE Scholarship by the Texas STMA Board of Directors.

Click here for James McAfee Scholarship Application The Cody Hobbs Scholarship will be awarded to a professional or commercial member of Texas STMA who seeks to improve their knowledge in the profession of sports turf management through continuing education or correspondence courses by an accredited college or university. This scholarship is awarded based on criteria established by the Texas STMA Board of Directors. The applicant must also provide valid reasons as to why they will benefit from this award and must complete the course within one year.

Click here for Cody Hobbs Scholarship Application Scholarships are awarded at the Annual Business Meeting held each December in conjunction with the Texas Turfgrass Association Winter Conference and Exhibit.

2014 Scholarship Winners Aaron Clampitt—Cody Hobbs Scholarship Chase Brister and Brae Minor—Dr. McAfee Scholarship Aaron Clampitt is all smiles after being awarded the 2014 Cody Hobbs Scholarship. His award was for $500 to be applied toward professional continuing education. Aaron works for the City of Wylie and has plans to pursue a career in Sports Turf Management. Also awarded but not pictured were Chase Brister of Texas A&M and Brae Minor of Texas Tech. Both are pursuing degrees in Turfgrass management.

McAfee Scholarship Donation Please help us honor Dr. James McAfee with a donation to the TXSTMA Dr. James McAfee Scholarship fund. Your donation will be awarded to a turfgrass student in Texas who is pursuing a career in the Sports Turf Management Profession.

Thank you for your donation.

Click Here to learn more about Dr. McAfee and his career.

Miss our great event at Texas Tech?

CLICK HERE for photos and story.

Thanks to all who participated and to our terrific sponsors!

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More Information and to Register, Visit texasturf.com Texas Sports Turf Managers Association—Annual Meeting December 16, 11:30 am More Details Available Soon at txstma.org

Baseball and Softball Field Inspection New SAFE Video Available The Foundation for Safer Athletic Fields for Everyone (SAFE), the charitable arm of the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA), has released its newest instructional video, which provides the basics to creating safe and playable baseball and softball fields.

The video, Baseball and Softball Field Inspection, examines how to identify unsafe surfaces – including skinned areas – and offers best practices specific to baseball and softball fields. It also includes tips on how to inspect packed dirt areas for ideal moisture conditions, managing wear-and-tear near the bases and conducting proper care for warning track areas.

“The SAFE Foundation and its board of trustees recognize the tremendous need in local communities for safer and more sustainable sports fields,” says Kim Heck, SAFE executive director. “Preparing and preserving baseball and softball fields can be challenging; it’s the responsibility of our organization to arm coaches, parents and players with the information needed to conduct a basic field evaluation before play begins.”

SAFE released its first three videos instructional series, Sports and Recreation Fields, Safety First, in April; Natural Grass Field Safety; Synthetic Turf Field Safety; and Sports Facility and Equipment Safety. The video outreach program aims to increase awareness and educate parents, players, coaches and volunteers about athletic field management.

They are also the beginning of a five-year campaign for SAFE to increase outreach, award scholarships, fund educational programs and create partnerships with community members and industry organizations.

Featured in the SAFE videos is Ross Kurcab, former Denver Broncos’ turf manager for more than 30 years and owner of Championship Turf Systems. He is the first person to earn the designation as a certified sports field manager (CSFM) from the STMA. Dedicated to improving sports surfaces and facilities nationwide, Kurcab is an ideal spokesperson for its instructional videos, according to SAFE.

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Executive Directors: President: Rusty Walker, CSFM—City of Grapevine, rwalker@grapevinetexas.gov Past President: Nick McKenna, CSFM— Texas A&M University, nmckenna@athletics.tamu.edu President - Elect: Kevin Lebanik—Harrell's, Klebanik@harrells.com 1st Commercial Vice Pres: Darin Eberly—Pioneer Manuf. Co., deberly@pioneerathletics.com 2nd Commercial Vice Pres: John Kearns—Professional Turf Products, kearnsj@proturf.com Treasurer: Leo Goertz—Texas A&M University, lgoertz@athletics.tamu.edu Committee Directors: Advertising: Travis Sales—City of Mesquite, tsales@ci.mesquite.tx.us Communication Committee: Dan Bergstrom—Houston Astros, dbergstrom@astros.com Region I (DFW): Allen Reed, CSFM, FC Dallas, areed@fcdallas.net Region II (Austin/San Antonio): Michael Piñon, San Antonio ISD, michaelpinon@yahoo.com Region III (Houston): Josh Scott, Alvin ISD, jscott@alvinisd.net Membership: Brant Williams, CSFM, Dallas Baptist University, brant@dbu.edu Scholarship: Chris Pitts, Clear Creek ISD, chpitts@ccisd.net Chapter Executive: Carol Cloud, Carolcloud@txstma.org, (817) 736-0727

Texas Sports Turf Managers Association Providing education and training for safer and healthier sports turf facilities Txstma.org txstmainfo@ yahoo.com (817) 736-0727 P.O. Box 11967 College Station, TX 77842

Fall 2015 Issue

Can you serve?

Annual elections for the TXSTMA Board of Directors will be held at the Annual Meeting in December at the Texas Turfgrass Conference.

Have you considered serving on your association’s board of directors?

Service is a great way to give back to your association and profession and to greatly expand your professional network. Board service is one of the most rewarding career growth opportunities available. Please contact a current board member of the TXSTMA office if you are interested in running for a position in December.

We would love to have you!