Pioneer representatives Chris Fiore, left, and Chris Danis, right, award BGSU's Jeff Haag, center, and his entire grounds crew with a "Field of Excellence" Award for their painting of the Doyt L. Perry football field during the 2004 season.

BGSU grounds crew honored for creating 'field of excellence'

Fans watching the Falcons tackle their opponents on the football field probably have no idea that about 120 hours of work have gone into preparing the field and painting the lines on the gridiron before every home game.

Others in the athletic fields profession have taken note, though, and BGSU grounds staff members have been awarded a “Field of Excellence Award” from the Pioneer Paint Co., supplier of the paint used on the field. Bowling Green was among 21 winners chosen from many outstanding submissions, according to Jeff Haag, golf course supervisor.

The crew, which includes stadium maintenance and Forrest Creason Golf Course staff members as well as several student employees, was recognized recently at a reception at the Ice Arena. They received a plaque and banner, and photos of the field will appear in promotional materials distributed by Pioneer.

In addition to Haag, facilities staff members caring for the field include Carlos Serrato, Greg Predmore and William Gibson. Rose Cunningham, a graduate student; Justin Iler, Tyler Jewel and Austin Hamilton are among the many students who assisted with creating the crisp, bright lines demarcating the field.

“The crew does a stellar job preparing the field,” said Dave Crooks, senior associate director of recreational sports. “Their work also helps present BGSU and its football program well on television.”
“It’s good PR for the University as a whole,” agreed Haag.

The job can be especially difficult if the weather does not cooperate, Haag said, because a water-based paint must be used. For a Saturday game, the crew begins painting on Tuesday and finishes on Wednesday or Thursday. If rain is predicted, they might have to cover the field with a tarpaulin, sometimes getting help from the baseball team in the early part of the season. Even that doesn’t always work, Haag said. “We’ve been out at 2:30 a.m. repainting the field after a snowfall,” he recalled.

And sometimes they must mow after painting the lines. “So sometimes we have to mow off some of our paint,” Haag said.

Caring for the field is a year-round effort, Crooks added. Immediately following the spring football game in April, the crew is out seeding, fertilizing and aerating the field in preparation for the next season.