Michigan Sports Turf Managers Association Mission

The Michigan Chapter of the Sports Turf Managers Association is a network of sports turf managers, who promote professionalism, advocate safe conditions, provide continuing education, and support the progress of research, all in the pursuit of practical guidance for every economic level of athletic and recreational use of turfgrass.

MiSTMA History by Kurt Brace, Mollema & Son

    It is important to share information with other professionals that are doing the same sort of work you are doing. You get new ideas, learn that some problems are universal and find solutions to problems you are having at your work place. The interest to get together and improve spawned the Michigan Sports Turf Managers association. Rick Jurries saw the need for a local chapter, accepted the lead role and was the main driving force in getting our association off the ground. A board was formed that included Matt Heiss our founding VP, Kurt Brace our founding Secretary, Heather Nabonzy as Treasurer. Other founding board members were Bob Hunt and Justin Heyboer.

Officers and Directors

Craig O'Berry, Pioneer - President  coberry1@sbcglobal.net

Dana Davis, Smith Tree & Landscape - Vice President

Seth Stern, Davey - Treasurer

Mark Frever, Albion College - Secretary  mfrever@albion.edu
    Mark entered the turf industry in 1991, after graduating from Michigan State University with a B.A. of Criminal Justice, at Hankerd Hills Golf Course in Jackson, MI. The part-time job as a groundskeeper influenced a change of career direction from Criminal Justice to Turfgrass Management. Mark returned to Michigan State University in 1995 and completed the Turfgrass Management, 2-year certificate program. He interned at Oakland Hills Country Club for the 1996 U.S. Open Championship. From 1997 to 2001, Mark traveled the state of Michigan as a turfgrass sales consultant for several fertilizer and chemical distributors. In the spring of 2001, Mark returned to Hankerd Hills Golf Course as the Superintendent for two seasons then onto Albion College, to rebuild the athletic fields agronomy program, as Grounds Supervisor in the fall of 2002.

Kay Patrick, Executive Secretary

Directors

Chad Follis, Itergrated Turfgrass Solutions, MTF Representative, Past-President  chadfollis@farmngarden.com
    Before coming to Integrated Turfgrass Solutions Chad completed a Master's of Science degree in Turfgrass Management as well as a Bachelors degree in Agriculture, both degrees are from the University of Missouri. Chad's experience ranges from athletic field management, construction, and commercial opportunities at the high school level to the professional level. He has presented at various workshops, professional seminars and field days.

Amy J. Fouty, CSFM, Past-President  fouty@ath.msu.edu
    Amy J. Fouty has been in the turf industry for 12 years.  She began her turf career in Wisconsin in Golf Turf Management.  Following graduation from Michigan State University’s turfgrass management program in 1996 she became an assistant golf course superintendent and was then promoted to golf course superintendent in 1997.
    In 1999 Amy changed turf modes and became the agronomist in the athletic department for the University of Michigan, managing the daily operation for the football and Soccer facilities. Following the 2003 season Amy accepted the Sports Turf Manager’s position at her Alma mater Michigan State University. Amy became a certified sports field manager in the summer of 2003. She also serves on various national committees such as Membership, Mentoring, and now serves on the national’s Board of Ethics.

Dan Kammerrad, Zeeland Public Schools  kammeraad@chartermi.net

Rick Jurries, Past-President

Heather Nabozny, Detroit Tigers

Matt Anderson, Lansing Lugnuts

 

Past officers and board members, "Thank you for helping MiSTMA grow as a leader in sports turf."

John Sorochan
Bob Hunt
Justin Heyboer
Tim Vanini, Michigan State University
Loyd Bowman,  University of Chicago
Will Gasper, Ferris State University
Kurt Brace, Mollema & Son
Matt Heiss, Turf Services
Rob Carson, Birmingham Public Schools
Eric Adkins, Retired
Jason Henderson, University of Connecticut