OSTMA Awards Scholarships and Research Funding

COLUMBUS, OHIO?EUR??,,????'??+In an effort to both educate and assist those in the turfgrass industry in the Buckeye State, the Ohio Sports Turf Managers Association (OSTMA) held its annual meeting and awards program at the Columbus convention center in conjunction with the Ohio Turfgrass conference and trade show on Dec. 11, 2003. OSTMA had a number of qualified individuals apply for their educational scholarships this year and selected three deserving students.

From the Ohio State University two turf students were chosen, Samuel Leatherberry and Weston Applefeller. Both received $500 scholarships. From Owens Community College Kyle Leppelmeier received the OSTMA / Profile Products $500 scholarship. OSTMA awarded a $500 National Conference scholarship to Philip Braselton from Sylvania Recreation. This scholarship goes to an OSTMA member that without the financial help would be unable to attend the national meeting, this year in San Diego.

Students needed to have a GPA of at least 3.0 and filled out an application detailing their career aspirations, where they?EUR??,,????'???ve worked and done internships and described how they?EUR??,,????'???ve been involved in turfgrass care.

OSTMA has more than 200 members, said Boyd Montgomery, Executive Secretary for OSTMA. Each season the association has a meeting such as a field day, golf tournament or work shop. ?EUR??,,????'??Our goal is to try and be a conduit to members in our state who need information,?EUR??,,????'?? said Montgomery to LCN. ?EUR??,,????'??Colleges and high schools often need help with managing their sports turf. Our association is affordable and we want to be able to get to those parks and recreation as well as school employees who may need some help.?EUR??,,????'??

Boyd said a number of OSTMA?EUR??,,????'???s members are landscape contractors who dabble in both lawn care from the commercial side and how to start a sports turf business. A few members are golf course superintendents who what to keep up with what?EUR??,,????'???s going on in the industry. Most of the members, however, take care of lacrosse, soccer, baseball, football fields at the high school, college or professional team level.

OSTMA was also excited to award $1,500 in research and extension. Pam Sherratt from Ohio State University received $500 for sports turf research and $500 for extension travel. With severe state cuts in funding for the universities, OSTMA wanted to give something towards extension so Sherrat could continue to make important visits throughout the state. The last $500 was donated to the S.A.F.E. Foundation for research.

These scholarships and donations would not be possible without the support of the members and chapter sponsors: Xenia Power Equipment, Columbus Turf Nursery, Covermaster, John Deere Landscapes, Markers Inc., and Central Farm & Garden.

OSTMA announced Montgomery as the recipient of their highest recognition award, the Founder?EUR??,,????'???s Award. This award goes to an OSTMA member that shows outstanding commitment, leadership and initiative in the sports turf industry. Boyd is the facilities and maintenance director for Sylvania Recreation Corp. He?EUR??,,????'???s active in the industry serving on the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation board of directors, Sports Turf Managers Association Board of Directors, and serves his time as the executive secretary for the OSTMA. He also teaches at Owens Community College and does numerous speaking engagements each year at turf conferences across the country.

?EUR??,,????'??I run on a 24-hour clock,?EUR??,,????'?? said Montgomery about how he stays involved in the industry. ?EUR??,,????'??It?EUR??,,????'???s something I wanted to be involved in, to help make things better for turf professionals at the state and national levels. Of course my family comes first, but they had to be understanding of my involvement. At times it can be stressful to have meetings two days in a row. But it?EUR??,,????'???s an interesting challenge that I can enjoy and I?EUR??,,????'???m glad to be a part of it.?EUR??,,????'??

OSTMA held its first silent auction to raise money for their scholarship fund and raised $515. Participants at the annual meeting had a chance to bid on some great items like an autographed football by Carson Palmer and Jeff Smith, tickets to the Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns game, Akron Aeroes jersey, a fleece jacket, one pallet of Klawogg, 100 pounds of seed, and painting products.