Episode 201: Marcus Elswick, Head Sports Field Manager Kentucky Athletics

Tiger Turf Talk welcomes Eric Harshman of Pioneer Athletics for an inspiring conversation about leadership, growth, and the future of the turfgrass industry. Eric shares his passion for advancing the profession and creating opportunities for the next generation of turf managers. Drawing from years of hands-on experience, he discusses how the lessons, challenges, and successes throughout his career have become the foundation for his leadership philosophy and decision-making.Throughout the episode, Eric reflects on the importance of mentorship, innovation, and continuous learning in an ever-evolving industry. His enthusiasm for furthering the turfgrass profession is evident as he explains how he has used his experiences as a guide to help shape not only his own career, but also the future of those entering the field.

From clay management to championship expectations, this episode of Tiger Turf Talk features Matt Goode, Sports Field Manager for the University of Kentucky Baseball and Softball facilities. Matt takes us behind the scenes of maintaining premier athletic fields in one of the most competitive conferences in college athletics, sharing the dedication, precision, and attention to detail required to deliver elite playing surfaces day after day.Throughout the conversation, Matt discusses his career journey, the science and art of sports field management, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that drives his work. His passion for perfecting his craft is evident in every aspect of field preparation, from managing infield clay and turf health to creating the safest and most consistent environment possible for student-athletes. Matt shares how continuous learning, innovation, and a commitment to improvement have shaped his approach to grounds management and helped elevate the performance of Kentucky's baseball and softball facilities.Whether you're a turf professional, agriculture educator, student, or simply a fan of the game, this episode offers valuable insights into the people, processes, and passion behind championship-caliber athletic fields. Tune in to hear how Matt Goode combines experience, dedication, and a relentless drive for perfection to keep the Wildcats competing on some of the finest playing surfaces in collegiate athletics.

In this episode of Tiger Turf Talk, we welcome Deanna Trusty, President of the Kentucky Sports Field Management Association, accomplished sports turf professional, and successful business owner. Deanna shares her inspiring journey in the sports field management industry, from building and operating her own business to becoming a respected leader and advocate for turf professionals across Kentucky.We discuss the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship in the turfgrass industry, the importance of maintaining safe and high-quality athletic fields, and how her experiences as a business owner have shaped her leadership style. Deanna also highlights her work with KYSFMA, where she is dedicated to advancing education, professional development, and networking opportunities for sports field managers throughout the state.Tune in as Deanna talks about the passion, perseverance, and commitment that have driven her career and made her a leader in the industry. Whether you're a turf manager, student, educator, coach, or simply interested in leadership and entrepreneurship, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration from one of the industry's standout professionals.

Tiger Turf Talk is back! In this exciting relaunch episode, we sit down with Marcus Elswick, Director of Field Operations, for an engaging and insightful conversation about the work that goes into maintaining top-quality athletic facilities and the importance of leadership, teamwork, and innovation in turf management.Marcus shares his professional journey, discusses the challenges and rewards of managing athletic fields, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create safe and successful playing surfaces. From day-to-day operations to long-term vision, this episode is packed with valuable insights for students, educators, industry professionals, and anyone passionate about sports turf management.Whether you're a longtime listener or tuning in for the first time, this relaunch episode sets the stage for great conversations ahead. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the industry's leaders and celebrate the return of Tiger Turf Talk!

We are so back! We are excited to start back up the Tiger Turf Talk podcast on our 200th Episode with Nick McKenna, one of our program's biggest supporters. We caught up with him at this years SFMA Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. We spoke on the past history of the show, what is going on in the industry and so much more! We are excited to be bringing a couple of exciting series to the podcast in 2026. So stayed tuned for some incredible content.

To wrap our Grounds Leadership Podcast tour with have two of our favorite people in the entire world. Our special guest host Leah Withrow, hosts her mentor Joe Hill to discuss all of the important aspects of our industry. They also provide great insight to what the Toro Grounds Leadership Academy is all about. This is an incredible episode that you do not want to miss.

In this episode we have Drew Selensky, Former turfgrass professional. It was a hard talk to have such a bright young future industry leader have to step away from this incredible industry because of his needs to support his family. It is important to hear first hand what we struggle with as an industry. Be sure to listen.

Be sure to check out the most recent episode of Tiger Turf Talk with long time industry leader, Mr. Jason Bowers of Loudoun County Parks and Rec. Jason and I have a long friendship dating back to his time at Virginia Tech where we have a shared a love of the Hokies and Enter Sandman. This is an awesome conversation about the Grounds Leadership Academy and all things Toro. You do not want to miss it!

Be sure to check this episode out with product managers Max and Ben with their work on equipment ranging from the FieldPro 6040 to the GeoLink Sprayers. Their work is truly unparalled on the impact that they are having on our industry and how it will shape the future moving forward. Learn what they do to ensure the best products that you can truly count on. Check out these products at Toro.com

The highlight of our travels was checking in with one of our former students from the Brentsville Turf Toro Grounds Academy, Julie Kessler, Field Manager for CPKC Stadium the home of the KC Current. It is something truly special to see where she started in our classroom to see her at the highest level! We are so proud. You do not want to miss it!