Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) – the non-profit, professional association for the 2,700 men and women who manage sports fields worldwide – announced its 2022 “Field of the Year” winners, an award spotlighting the individuals and programs who excelled this year in providing quality, safe playing surfaces.
Every year, SFMA presents the industry’s highest honor to members who manage baseball, football, soccer, softball, and other sporting playing surfaces at the professional, collegiate, schools (K-12), and parks and recreation levels. The 2022 winners are featured below:
Professional
- Baseball – Greater Nevada Field, Reno Aces (Reno, NV): Leah Withrow
- Soccer – America First Field, Real Salt Lake (Sandy, UT): Dan Farnes
College and University
- Baseball – Lupton Stadium, Texas Christian University (Fort Worth, TX): Andrew Siegel
- Football – Donald W Reynolds Razorback Stadium, University of Arkansas (Fayetteville, AR): Jeff Foor
- Soccer – Yokubaitis Field, University of Houston (Houston, TX): Brad Finn
Schools and Parks
- Baseball – Al Leiter Field at Al Kunzman Park, Central Regional School District (Bayville, NJ): Keith Fisher
- Football – Jason Brown Complex, Liberty Christian Academy (Lynchburg, VA): Zachary Horsley
- Soccer – Sportsplex Stadium Field, Mecklenburg County Parks and Rec (Matthews, NC): Jonathan Waszak
- Softball – Brentsville Softball Park, Brentsville School District (Nokesville, VA): Drew Miller, Turfgrass Management Students
- Sporting Grounds – Pace Academy Lacrosse Field, Pace Academy Riverview Sports Complex (Mableton, GA): Daniel Prince
“We are thrilled to recognize the men and women who maintain our sports fields nationwide and display excellence across the board, especially when it comes to safety and playability,” says SFMA President, James Bergdoll. “The 2022 winners each played a major role in enhancing their communities, displaying their talents with college and professional teams, as well as local parks and recreation departments.”
The SFMA Awards Committee, led by co-chairs Brad Thedens, CSFM and Jason DeMink, CSFM reviewed each submittal and independently rated applicants on field quality as impacted by staffing, budget, use, monthly maintenance, and a visual story that documents challenges and successes.
Winners receive a complimentary registration to the 2023 SFMA Conference & Exhibition (January 16-19) in Salt Lake City, UT, accommodations for three nights, signature clothing and a trophy for display. Also, each recipient will be highlighted in an upcoming issue of SportsField Management Magazine, SFMA’s official monthly publication.
About SFMA
SFMA is the non-profit, professional association for men and women who manage sports fields worldwide. Since 1981, it has provided education, information and practical knowledge in the art and science of sports field management. More than 2,700 members across 32 local chapters oversee facilities at schools, colleges and universities, parks and recreational facilities, and professional sports stadiums. Sports include football, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, softball, rugby and horse racing.