Get to Know KYSFMA member: Nate Dotson

Nate Dotson is the groundskeeper for the Henderson County High School softball field, and his dedication shows in every blade of grass. He consistently maintains the Lady Colonel Softball Field at an exceptional, high-performance level with player safety always at the forefront. The field features a Bermuda grass base overseeded with perennial ryegrass, and Nate’s expertise ensures it stays in top condition year-round.

Photos of Lady Colonel Softball field below

Below are some of Nate’s answers to a few questions we asked so you can get to know him better.

—How did you get into field maintenance?

Started working travel tournaments on weekends at our rec complex. 4 years of that then went to the high school where I have been there for 10 years.

—What’s a typical day out here look like for you?

It depends on what day it is. Normally starts about 11am and ends at 5 or 6 pm.

—What part of the job do you enjoy the most?

All of it. Can’t get enough. Mowing on the triplex dragging

— What’s the toughest part about keeping this field in good shape?

All the small things. Work is never done. There is always something to do.

—How do you decide what needs to get done on a busy day?

Shannon and I pretty much have a routine that we do on a daily basics.

— What kind of equipment do you use the most?

1200a bunker rake, mowers either reel and zero turn.

—Ever had any funny or unexpected things happen while working on the field?

Pulled the tarp on a travel weekend and a parent was picked up by the tarp about 10 to 15 feet above the ground .How do you handle the field after bad weather? Field drains extremely well. Im lucky to have that .

—- What’s something most people don’t realize goes into keeping a field looking good

Time and money !!

—- Which tasks take the longest or require the most patience?

Putting down lines for me weather it be chalk or foul lines.

—How do you work around team practices or games?

I get out of work before noon everyday and the kids are still in school.

—What’s one thing players or coaches do that makes your job easier? Harder?

I’m lucky to have a great coaching staff that is able and willing to help and have the same amount of passion about the field as I do.

—-Is there anything you wish people understood better about field maintenance?

People will never understand the amount of work and time that goes into maintaining a field.

—-What’s your favorite season for field work? Least favorite?

Anytime there is softball and the least is winter.

—- If you could upgrade anything about the field or equipment, what would it be?

Nothing just leave it alone. Stay off the grass and the infield.