Great Lakes

Shane Conroy Head Shot

Shane Conroy

Great Lakes regional representative

A former assistant golf course superintendent, Shane joined the GCSAA staff in 2015. He resides in Ferndale, Mich.
Tel: 800-472-7878, ext. 3635


Field staff report

GCSAA AND FFA OFFER EXCITING NEW OPPORTUNITY

by Shane Conroy | Nov 08, 2024

I first attended the FFA National Convention in Indianapolis with Shelia Finney, GCSAA's senior director of member programs, over six years ago now. Since then, the relationship between GCSAA and the National FFA has continued growing. This year, that relationship grew further as both organizations have teamed up to offer a new competitive event designed for high school students in agricultural education. The event, the 2025 National Turfgrass Science Invitational, will take place from February 3-5, 2025, in San Diego, Calif., during the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show. Students will not only compete in turfgrass science challenges but will also have the opportunity to attend professional development sessions at the conference and trade show.

During the invitational, participants will engage in both individual and team-based activities that cover essential areas of turfgrass management, including turf identification, golf course maintenance, equipment handling, and sustainable turf management practices. The competition will also feature a practicum at a local golf course in the San Diego area, where students will apply their knowledge and demonstrate their hands-on skills in a real-world setting.

According to GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans, the collaboration with FFA offers an invaluable opportunity for high school students to explore the wide range of career paths in the turfgrass industry. "This partnership provides a platform for students to discover career opportunities in turf management," Evans said. "We're excited to host this event and continue our work with FFA to inspire the next generation of turfgrass professionals."

FFA members interested in participating in the 2025 event can now register at the GCSAA Conference website. The winners of the Invitational will be recognized on February 5, 2025, during the conference and trade show's closing event.

As part of a rotating schedule, the National Turfgrass Science Invitational will alternate between GCSAA and the Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) conferences. GCSAA will host the competition again in 2027.

FFA members may also reach out to GCSAA members for guidance or to schedule visits to golf courses to prepare for the competition. GCSAA encourages its members to engage with these students to help nurture their interest in the turfgrass field. 

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This region includes Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin.