Bradley Finn

Turfgrass Management. I know, I usually get that head jerking reaction when I mention my major to people. Its probably also hard to believe that is an actually major and career. One thing I can tell you is that the opportunities in Turfgrass management are endless. I grew up in Northboro, Massachusetts and attended Algonquin Regional High School. The first time I was introduced to the major of Turfgrass Management was when I was attending a family party junior year of high school. When I first heard of it all I could remember was thinking back to those hot summer days when I was a child dreading to cut the lawn. When the college applicaiton time came around I took a shot in the dark and applied to schools that had the major Turfgrass Management. The Universtiy of Massachusetts and the Stockbridge School of Agriculture was where I had my eyes set on. Upon getting into UMass, I began to get a feel for my major by working at my first golf course, Stow Acres Country Club. All I can remember is coming home after the first day, walking into my mother office and saying; "Mom, I love what I'm doing." My Sports Turf career began when I came to the conclusion that I wouldn't be playing in the NFL or MLB. But, I some how wanted to stay connected with the things that I love (football and baseball). This past summer I began my dream of becoming a Sports Turf manager by working at the University of Michigan at the Wilpon Baseball and Softball Complex. I also maintained the practice football fields at the Glick Fieldhouse. During this summer I worked on designing turf patterns via mowing (my background picture being an example), maintaining the infield skin (infiled clay and clay conditioner), the watering and general maintenance of all grassy surfaces. This is only my first stepping stone of my future goals. My goals have since changed from the beginning of my summer in Michigan. Upon some recent conversations at the National Sports Turf Conference and working in my professors lab, and also my time at the Universtiy of Michigan, I believe I want to stay in the college atmosphere.

Do what you love and love what you do.