Every career has an origin story.

Live from the SFMA conference, Sports Turf Manager Darren Criswell shares how a part-time job at a spring training facility sparked a lifelong career in sports turf management. Along the way, we talk mentorship, leadership, earning a seat at the table, and why the toughest days often build the strongest teams. What you'll hear on this week's #GroundskeeperChat:

• Darren's turf origin story
• The mentors who shaped his career
• Leadership lessons learned through experience
• Why finding a hobby outside of work is key to avoiding burnout

A little bit more about our guest...

Criswell was previously the Sports Turf Manager at University of Arizona before taking his new role as the Associate Director of Grounds, Landscape and Recycling at San Jose State University.

In our final conversation from the Fort Worth series, Virginia Tech's Dan Sandor shares why teaching the next generation fuels his passion, and how meaningful mentorship is shaping the future of sports field management.What you'll hear in this week's #GroundskeeperChat:

🌱 Dan's unique journey from aspiring music composer and sports journalist to becoming a professor at Virginia Tech and one of the industry's most respected educators.

🎓 Why mentorship, alumni connections, and real-world networking are just as important as what happens in the classroom.

💧 How practical, people-first research, including water conservation and field management strategies, can make a real impact for sports field managers.

🌟 An honest conversation about imposter syndrome, servant leadership, and why helping students succeed is Dan's greatest measure of success.

A little bit more about our guest...

Dan Sandor is an Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Management at Virginia Tech, where he teaches the next generation of sports turf professionals. A native of rural Ohio, Dan earned his bachelor's degree from Western Kentucky University, a master's degree in turfgrass science, and a Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas.

Mike Goatley's influence can be found far beyond the classroom, on sports fields across the country and in the careers of the people he helped shape.

In this special edition 2026 Pioneers in the Field episode of Groundskeeper Chats, Mike reflects on his career, the people who influenced him, the professionals he has mentored and the lessons he hopes to leave with the next generation of sports field managers.

For almost 4 decades, Mike has been helping students, sports field managers and turfgrass professionals navigate the challenges of the industry while encouraging them to keep learning, growing and giving back.

With retirement approaching this winter, Mike reflects on a career built around education, service and the people who make the turfgrass industry what it is.

Learn more about the Pioneers in the Field campaign: https://pioneerathletics.com/pioneers-in-the-field