Get to know KYSFMA member: Marcus Elswick - UK Sports Turf
How did you get into field maintenance?
Brother worked for UK sports turf while he was in college and I would come to work soccer/softball games with him. I enjoyed it then and when I got to college I had the opportunity to work for Marcus Dean and it took off after that!
What’s a typical day out here look like for you?
We start our day by getting a game plan for our fields/complexes. I go through our objectives with the full time staff and communicate it with the students. Depending on the day, I might have meetings or bigger tasks to complete. I like to lay eyes on every facility each day if not then every other day. I try to help either paint, water, mow or fill in gaps when the staff is thin.
What part of the job do you enjoy the most?
Just the daily grind and the difference from day to day. I like the challenges and trying to improve things.
What’s the toughest part about keeping this field in good shape?
“Grass grows by the inch and dies by the foot”...with hosting camps, games, and practices. It’s trying to balance all of those things and finding time to do the job you need to do to improve the fields and make them as safe and aesthetic looking as possible.
How do you decide what needs to get done on a busy day?
Just try to balance what is important. It’s hard to do because everyone is important but there are things that take priority. I try to be proactive in everything we do. If we can get ahead then that makes us successful.
What kind of equipment do you use the most?
My phone haha. Between calls from staff/vendors/finding solutions to problems. I use it all the time. Maybe a little social media as well LOL
Ever had any funny or unexpected things happen while working on the field?
Plenty of funny things but probably not appropriate to be shared. We have had tons of experiences that I feel like are rare.
How do you handle the field after bad weather?
We are fortunate to have great fields and support from our administration. We use to have a whale sopper that used to sop up water on the field and pump it off. Crazy machine to see in action. Only like 6-7 in the world.
What’s something most people don’t realize goes into keeping a field looking good?
Just the amount of time that goes into it. The late night sprays or weekends spent while everyone is gone. It’s not just mowing grass and painting lines. There is alot of planning/effort that goes into making the right decisions.
Which tasks take the longest or require the most patience?
Dealing with college students haha. Probably just blankets or finding time to aerate fields around usage.
How do you work around team practices or games?
Plan, Plan, and Plan some more!
Is there anything you wish people understood better about field maintenance?
It’s a process. Grass is a living thing that goes up and down.
Synthetic Turf wise…it’s far from maintenance free. It takes more time than most people realize. Also, causes more issues than my natural fields.
What’s your favorite season for field work? Least favorite?
Favorite is spring-fall and least is winter. Snow is the worst.
