My Internship: Skills, Achievements, and Experiences
One of my favorite parts of my internship was having the opportunity to learn so many new things. When I first began working with the field staff in March of 2018, I had very limited experience with the operation of machinery, very little understanding of grass, and I never realized all the work that goes into ensuring the absolute best playing fields for the Aggies.
Without Craig Potts, Nick McKenna, and the rest of the A&M Field Staff I would have never had the oppertunity to learn and experience as much as I did during my internship. |
Operating Mowers
I learned a lot about the mowers we use. Our Toro mowers are specially designed for maintaining sports fields. The reel mowers we use have either 3 or 5 reels that cut simultaneously and are followed by a heavy roller that rolls the grass behind it. This style of the mower is capable of cutting grass at precise heights for the best playability and aesthetics. Unlike a lawn, sports fields require cutting almost every day of the week, especially during warmer growing seasons.
I also learned how to adjust mowing height, check the reel's contact, and sharpen the blades using a sharpening compound.
We are also responsible for landscaping around the athletic facilities. For landscaping, we use regular push mowers, zero turn mowers, and weed eaters.
I also learned how to adjust mowing height, check the reel's contact, and sharpen the blades using a sharpening compound.
We are also responsible for landscaping around the athletic facilities. For landscaping, we use regular push mowers, zero turn mowers, and weed eaters.
Painting Lines and Logos
We are responsible for painting the lines and logos for all of the fields. Lines and logos must meet conference and NCAA regulations. To paint lines for the game field, we will typically use a sled which is a metal stencil that is pushed across the grass as we paint. We measure each line and pull strings to ensure we get straight lines. To paint large logos, we mark the grass using large stencils. Once the markings are on the grass, we follow those markings to free hand the logo. For logos like the football midfield "aTm" that are used throughout a season, we try to keep at least an outline of the logo even when we aren't playing that week. This allows us to come back and paint the logo free hand without having to drag out the giant stencil. If you can imagine the size of the endzone's "TEXAS A&M," then you probably understand why we prefer to keep the logos down. However, there is a careful balance between keeping visible lines and logos and making sure the grass isn't killed from too much paint which can be hard on the grass.
We paint the two football practice fields more than any other field because they practice on it in season and during spring practices. Summer camps also use the fields.
We paint the two football practice fields more than any other field because they practice on it in season and during spring practices. Summer camps also use the fields.
Mowing Patterns and Grass Striping
Grass is mowed into patterns before games and special events. This is just one of the many ways groundskeepers can create a signature look.
Pregame Field Prep
Before games begin, teams come on to the field for batting practice or infield drills. As soon as the teams are off the field, the grounds crew quickly goes to work to put finishing touches on the field and watering the dirt for best playing conditions.
Special Moments from my Internship
Here are just a few of the many special opportunities I have gotten to enjoy as a worker for the Field Staff.
Large Scale Projects
Slideshow of some of our projects