Groundskeeper Chats

For anyone who has been asked if they mow grass for a living, these conversations are for you. Join us as we explore and discuss the questions and passions of sports turf professionals while celebrating our niche part of the sports world.

Groundskeeper Chats is a sports podcast hosted by Pioneer Athletics, with 100 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Pioneer Athletics hosts Groundskeeper Chats, a sports show with 100 episodes published.

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  Episode #156

  Live from Fort Worth: Groundskeeper Chat with Dan Sandor

  Jul 14, 202625 minS1

  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.

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  Episode #155

  Live from Fort Worth: Groundskeeper Chat with Darren Criswell

  Jul 7, 202620 minS1

  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.

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  Episode #154

  Live from Fort Worth: Groundskeeper Chat with Ryan Lefler

  Jun 29, 202621 minS1

  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.

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  Episode #152

  Live from Fort Worth: Groundskeeper Chat with Marcus Elswick

  Jun 17, 202624 minS1

  Marcus Elswick brought an audience and Kentucky pride to his Groundskeeper Chat in Fort Worth. Marcus and Meg caught up since their chat in 2024 and talked about the impact of being involved at the national and local levels of SFMA. Here's what you'll hear in this week's chat: Life updates with Marcus Kentucky Branch of SFMA University of Kentucky updates Marcus and his crew A little bit more about our guest... Marcus Elswick is the Head Sports Field Manager at The University of Kentucky, where he has worked for over 15 years. Elswick is also the Secretary/Treasurer for the Kentucky Sports Field Management Association.

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  Episode #151

  Live from Fort Worth: Groundskeeper Chat with Sarah Martin

  Jun 16, 202626 minS1

  City of Phoenix's, Sarah Martin, stopped by our booth at the Sports Field Management Conference to catch up and conduct our year in review. Sarah and Meg focused on the importance of community and how organizations like SMFA can play a pivotal role in someone's career and life. A little bit more about our guest... Sarah Martin is a Park Supervisor for the City of Phoenix Parks and Rec in the Water Management Department.

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