Get to Know KYSFMA Member: Jacob Graves -EKU athletics
How did you get into field maintenance?
I first started field maintenance as a summer job for my local parks and rec, and then just kind of fell into it when I got to college at the University of Kentucky.
What’s a typical day out here look like for you?
We start off getting together and discussing what needs to be done for the day then split up task and move forward with them based off urgency of finishing said task.
What part of the job do you enjoy the most?
I really enjoy getting to watch games as it gives us a time to sit back and enjoy all the hard work that has gone into areas.
What’s the toughest part about keeping this field in good shape?
The toughest part to me is our player positions at our softball field due to the high traffic on those specific areas of the field. We have to I stay on top of these spots all season to ensure they are in top shape.
How do you decide what needs to get done on a busy day?
We do this in our morning meetings. This allows us to see which areas are in the most need for the day and allows us to stay on top of issues.
What kind of equipment do you use the most?
For me personally I spend the most time on mowers in our growing season to ensure our fields are within playing height.
Ever had any funny or unexpected things happen while working on the field?
Lots of funny things happen throughout the work year but what tend to be the top of the list is falling during turn pulls. Not in the moment but very after the fact.
How do you handle the field after bad weather?
This varies from field to field but we tend to keep up on our weather trackers and gauges to ensure we have the most up to date information to share with coaches and admin to make sure that the most educated decision is made game or practice.
What’s something most people don’t realize goes into keeping a field looking good?
I think most people skip over the skill work. They see the green and stripped grass but do not look into the rocks rolling into edges, the weeds that need to be pulled from fences and all the little things that make a proper playing surface look top notch.
Which tasks take the longest or require the most patience?
This could be a number of things in the field of work as it all comes down to the details, but for me it has to be aerification as it is a slow process that has to be done at its own pace.
How do you work around team practices or games?
We tend to keep up with our coaches and admin to make sure that we get schedules before their seasons start and this allows us to move and fluctuate our projects around those time frames.
What’s one thing players or coaches do that makes your job easier? Harder?
For easier our coaches and staff stay up with us on needs and changes from their schedules to ensure that we know what is happening at all times.
Is there anything you wish people understood better about field maintenance?
I wish that more people could see the time that goes into all the work behind the scenes. They all get to see the final projects, but they miss all the decision and time that is put into making those fields glow. It’s all a process and would be great if more could see it.
What’s your favorite season for field work? Least favorite?
The spring/summer is my favorite as it is our busy seasons and when we get to do the most work and have to most time spent in the sun. My least favorite is winter as it is when we fall into a slow time of more equipment and stock keep up.
If you could upgrade anything about the field or equipment, what would it be?
The only upgrade I would like to see field wise would be field lights for a soccer field because there is nothing better than a good college soccer game under the lights.
