Penn State Teams Win Student Competitions
At this year’s National Sports Turf Manager’s Associations National Conference in Phoenix Arizona both of Penn State’s Competitive Student Teams placed first in their divisions. The first place four-year team was captained by Matt Naedel and included Matt Elmore, Mark Peasley, and Tanner Devalle all B.S. students in the Turfgrass Science Major. They placed first out of 30 competing teams from Universities across the country in a written exam covering sports turf management topics as well as plant, insect, and disease ID.
In the Two-Year division Penn State also places first out of 15 teams competing. Captain Joshua Dubbs led a team consisting of Robert Finnegan, Blaise Restifo, and Andre Aymar all in their second year of Penn State’s Two Year Turfgrass Certificate Program. The awards are currently on display in The Hamilton Turf Club Room in ASI.
The Students would like to thank Keystone Atheltic Field Manager’s Association and TORO for their finacial assistance in attending the conference. The students would also like to thank those who took the time to help with evening training sessions including: Andrew McNitt (coach), Dr. Peter Landschoot, Dr. Max Schlossberg, Dr. Al Jarret, Ms. Dianne Petrunak, Mr. Steve LeGros, Mr. Jeff Borger, Mr. Dave Livingston, Mr. Matt Neri, and Mr. Jeff Fowler.
After the competition the students were given a tour of the University of Phoenix Stadium, home of the 2008 SuperBowl.