Scott Hebert, Jarod Knopp, Jimmy Halley, and Ian Patrican took on the STMA Student Challenge in San Diego
Image Credit: Dr. Kevin Mathias
On January 19, 2016, Jull Hall buzzed with anticipation. Two major events showed on the IAA’s radar—one weather-related, and one student-related. One required last-minute preparations and the other required months of studying and reviewing. One was a blizzard in Maryland and the other was a first-place finish at the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) student competition in San Diego, California.
One happened and the other didn’t.
While College Park was getting buried by two feet of snow, the Good Dr. Mathias, his trusty assistant Alex Steinman, and four IAA students were discussing irrigation, weed control, playing surfaces, turfgrasses and other warm-weather related matters in hopes of capturing UMD’s 4th consecutive title.
Each year, students from all over the country compete in the STMA Student Challenge, testing their knowledge in the sports turf industry. This year’s team of Scott Hebert, Ian Patrican, Jimmy Halley, and Jarod Knopp took fourth, missing third place by a half point.
Although disappointed, Mathias turned the loss into a learning opportunity. “During our debriefing, I realized the team didn’t study the way it needed to. Other teams were really motivated to beat us, and we need our guys to get to that level of motivation,” said Mathias.
So, like any good coach after a loss, Mathias made his team work harder, hoping to motivate them for the upcoming Turf Bowl, another student competition. Since the blizzard caused airports to close and flights to be canceled, the team spent a couple of extra days in San Diego. Mathias set up a series of two-hour review sessions for the students and then quizzed the students.
But, the Good Doctor made learning fun by taking soil samples from Coronado Beach, touring Torrey Pines Golf Course, and riding bikes to Balboa Park.
The Turf Bowl is the next major event on the IAA’s radar; let’s hope another blizzard is not.
