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

For Sarah, being a 2026 Pioneers in the Field class member isn't about being the loudest person in the room or breaking barriers for the sake of recognition. It's about doing the work, supporting the people around her and making sure the next person can see what's possible.

“I would not be Sarah Martin without all of that.”

Get to know the person behind the career, and the people who helped make her who she is.

🌱 Read Sarah's full Pioneers in the Field profile: https://pioneerathletics.com/pioneers-in-the-field

Rick Perruzzi has spent his career proving that the strongest legacies aren't built alone.

As part of the 2026 Pioneers in the Field class, Rick joins Meg Kruger for a special episode of Groundskeeper Chats to reflect on the people, experiences and values that have shaped his career in sports field management. At the heart of his story is a simple philosophy: We, not me.

Here's what you'll hear in this #GroundskeeperChat:

• The unexpected path that led Rick to a career in sports field management • The mentors and colleagues who shaped his professional journey • Why relationships and community have played such an important role in his career • The importance of mentorship and investing in the next generation • The lessons Rick hopes to pass along to future sports field professionals • What legacy really means when you look beyond your own accomplishments

Pioneers in the Field honors dedicated professionals who have made a lasting impact on the sports field management industry through innovation, mentorship, leadership and a commitment to the profession.

Some careers are carefully planned.

Colin Boak’s wasn’t.

From college baseball player to graduate assistant to Senior Director of Operations and Grounds at Legacy Center Sports Complex, Colin’s career has been built by saying yes, asking questions and earning the trust of the people around him.

And now, he’s doing the same for the people coming up behind him.

We’re proud to introduce Colin as one of our 2026 Pioneers in the Field. His story is one of opportunity, curiosity, behind-the-scenes excellence and a genuine commitment to helping others grow.

With nearly 28 years in the sports turf industry, Jon has worked in golf, professional baseball, and now at Arizona State University with Sun Devil Baseball. In this conversation, he talks about his career journey, creative approaches to field maintenance, and why giving his crew a voice is such an important part of leadership.

Jon also shares the influence of his mom, Tinka, and the simple but powerful lessons she taught him about kindness, generosity, and treating everyone with respect.

A thoughtful conversation about finding joy in the work, showing up for others, and the lasting impact one person can have on an industry.

Ryan Lefler, Field Superintendent for the Worcester Red Sox, joined Meg in Fort Worth share his unconventional path into professional baseball, the power of building a strong grounds crew culture, and how creativity has helped showcase the profession through social media. Here's what you'll hear in this week's #GroundskeeperChat:

• Field maintenance to marathon training
• The realities of Minor League Baseball
• The importance of hiring good people
• How social media has helped bring a spotlight to our industry

A little bit more about our guest...

Ryan Lefler is the Head Field Superintendent for the Worcester Red Sox (WooSox), where he leads the team responsible for maintaining Polar Park.