Sports Turf Managers Association Presents the 2016 Field of the Year Awards – Sod Solutions’ Turfgrass Featured on Two of the Fields
CHARLESTON, S.C., (January 26, 2017) – Sports Turf Managers Association, STMA, honors their 2016 Field of the Year award winners at the 28th STMA annual conference held in Orlando, FL on January 24–27. Highlighted in this year’s winners are three Sod Solutions’ turfgrass varieties – Latitude 36® Bermudagrass, RPR® Ryegrass and HGT® Bluegrass.
For the second time, Kevin White, athletic field manager of Merlo Field at University of Portland has received the honor for his soccer field that features HGT and RPR. “We incorporated HGT and RPR into a comprehensive seeding program designed to improve our wear tolerance, recovery and decrease pesticide dependency.” said White. “HGT and RPR are helping us achieve those goals while delivering safe, high quality fields to our students.”
“I’m overly pleased with the performance of Latitude 36,” said Anthony DeFeo, certified sports field manager and head groundskeeper of Smokies Stadium at Tennessee Smokies and 2016 Field of the Year winner. “Its cold tolerance has helped us get through some harsh Tennessee winters and it is easy to manage in the summer months,” DeFeo continues. A panel of 11 judges independently score entries based on playability, appearance, utilization of innovative solutions, effective use of budget and implementation of a comprehensive agronomic program. Both Merlo Field and Smokies Stadium met all the qualifications and secured awards for both White and DeFeo.
Latitude 36 was developed by the renowned turfgrass breeding program at Oklahoma State University and is a top quality rated NTEP bermudagrass. With resistance to spring dead spot, Latitude 36 is one of the most cold hardy bermudagrasses on the market. Known for its high traffic tolerance, it is an ideal choice for southern and transitional zone applications including sports, golf and residential. HGT, Healthy Grass Technologies, is an improved seeded bluegrass that stands up to its name by demonstrating unmatched toughness and disease resistance. HGT was developed in harsh climate conditions to specifically withstand diseases, pests and traffic.
About Sod Solutions
Sod Solutions, Inc., an international turfgrass research and development company incorporated in 1994, is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina. In conjunction with universities and breeders, Sod Solutions has developed a portfolio of turfgrass varieties in the St. Augustine, bermudagrass, zoysia, centipede and cool season families. From their premier variety, Palmetto® St. Augustine, Sod Solutions continues to launch new varieties of turfgrass to meet the environmental and consumer demands in the marketplace. Sod Solution turfgrass varieties are grown and distributed worldwide. For more information, visit www.sodsolutionspro.com.
About STMA
STMA is the not-for-profit, professional association for men and women who manage sports fields worldwide. Since 1981, the association and its 34 local chapters have been providing education, information and sharing practical knowledge in the art and science of sports field management. Its more than 2,600 members oversee sports fields and facilities at schools, colleges and universities, parks and recreational facilities and professional sports stadiums.
