Source: www.TurfMagazine.com
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – The Toro Company is now taking applications for the 12th annual Toro Super Bowl Sports Turf Training Program. In January 2014, one lucky student will travel to East Rutherford, N.J., to help the grounds crew prepare the field at MetLife Stadium for the biggest day in professional football.
To be considered for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, entries must be emailed by Friday, Oct. 25, 2013. Applicants must be enrolled in at least the second year of a two-year turf program or in at least the junior year of a four-year turf program.
Through the Sports Turf Training Program, Toro and the NFL’s Super Bowl grounds team collaborate to offer a program aimed at enhancing the skills of emerging sports turf professionals. This program provides hands-on experience in establishing and maintaining safe playing fields. This year’s recipient will learn from the legendary George Toma, a trusted consultant and advisor, who has helped prepare the field for every Super Bowl game in history. The winner will also work alongside NFL field director Ed Mangan, and the Super Bowl grounds crew on turf maintenance, logo painting, field preparation for media day, and halftime preparation and clean-up.
Toro equipment and representatives have been involved in preparing the stadium and practice fields for the Super Bowl for over 40 years. Starting with the inaugural World Championship in 1967, the NFL grounds crew has relied on Toro for its expertise in preparing the game field and multiple practice facilities. In 2003, the organizations partnered to establish the Toro Super Bowl Sports Turf Training Program.
The winner will be announced on Nov. 22, 2013. Application forms are available online here. Any questions or comments can be directed to dale.getz@toro.com.