Dec. 2, 2014
THE FLATS – For the second time, Georgia Tech’s Russ Chandler Stadium has earned the Sports Turf Managers Association “Field of the Year Award” in college baseball. Home of the reigning and nine-time ACC Champions, the stadium earned its first STMA recognition in 2008.
The award is presented annually by the STMA to collegiate, professional and recreational venues based on playability, appearance and utilization of innovative solutions.
Georgia Tech’s field staff is headed by Jon DeWitt, who is in his seventh year as the Yellow Jackets’ Sports Turf Manager. Chris May oversees the turf management at Russ Chandler Stadium and is assisted by Brandon Thrower.
“We have outstanding athletic facilities at Georgia Tech and without question our playing surfaces are among the best in the nation,” said Director of Athletics Mike Bobinski. “We are very fortunate to have Jon and Chris on our staff. They take a tremendous amount of pride in their work and this award is a reflection of the countless hours they and the other members of our turf management team invest to keep our fields in incredible condition.”
Russ Chandler Stadium remains the only facility in the Atlantic Coast Conference to earn the accolade and joins the University of Nebraska’s Haymarket Park as the only repeat college baseball winners since the award was established in 1988.
“I can’t tell you how many compliments we receive from players, coaches and fans about our playing field at Russ Chandler Stadium,” said Head Baseball Coach Danny Hall. “It is the best in the country without question. Jon, Chris and the staff are masters at their craft and truly deserving of the honor.”
Russ Chandler Stadium is the midst of a complete renovation to the Yellow Jackets’ clubhouse and team facilities to be ready for the 2015 season.
