Groundskeeper Chats

For anyone who has been asked if they mow grass for a living, these conversations are for you. Join us as we explore and discuss the questions and passions of sports turf professionals while celebrating our niche part of the sports world.

Groundskeeper Chats is a sports podcast hosted by Pioneer Athletics, with 100 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Pioneer Athletics hosts Groundskeeper Chats, a sports show with 100 episodes published.

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  Episode #158

  2026 Pioneers in the Field: Groundskeeper Chat with Rick Perruzzi

  Sep 29, 202652 minS1

  Rick Perruzzi has spent his career proving that the strongest legacies aren't built alone. As part of the 2026 Pioneers in the Field class, Rick joins Meg Kruger for a special episode of Groundskeeper Chats to reflect on the people, experiences and values that have shaped his career in sports field management. At the heart of his story is a simple philosophy: We, not me. Here's what you'll hear in this #GroundskeeperChat: • The unexpected path that led Rick to a career in sports field management • The mentors and colleagues who shaped his professional journey • Why relationships and community have played such an important role in his career • The importance of mentorship and investing in the next generation • The lessons Rick hopes to pass along to future sports field professionals • What legacy really means when you look beyond your own accomplishments Pioneers in the Field honors dedicated professionals who have made a lasting impact on the sports field management industry through innovation, mentorship, leadership and a commitment to the profession.

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  Episode #159

  2026 Pioneers in the Field: Groundskeeper Chat with Sarah Martin

  Sep 22, 202650 minS1

  For Sarah, being a 2026 Pioneers in the Field class member isn't about being the loudest person in the room or breaking barriers for the sake of recognition. It's about doing the work, supporting the people around her and making sure the next person can see what's possible. “I would not be Sarah Martin without all of that.” Get to know the person behind the career, and the people who helped make her who she is. Read Sarah's full Pioneers in the Field profile: https://pioneerathletics.com/pioneers-in-the-field

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  Episode #157

  2026 Pioneers in the Field: Groundskeeper Chat with Mike Goatley

  Sep 15, 202649 minS1

  Mike Goatley's influence can be found far beyond the classroom, on sports fields across the country and in the careers of the people he helped shape. In this special edition 2026 Pioneers in the Field episode of Groundskeeper Chats, Mike reflects on his career, the people who influenced him, the professionals he has mentored and the lessons he hopes to leave with the next generation of sports field managers. For almost 4 decades, Mike has been helping students, sports field managers and turfgrass professionals navigate the challenges of the industry while encouraging them to keep learning, growing and giving back. With retirement approaching this winter, Mike reflects on a career built around education, service and the people who make the turfgrass industry what it is. Learn more about the Pioneers in the Field campaign: https://pioneerathletics.com/pioneers-in-the-field

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  Episode #156

  Live from Fort Worth: Groundskeeper Chat with Dan Sandor

  Jul 14, 202625 minS1

  In our final conversation from the Fort Worth series, Virginia Tech's Dan Sandor shares why teaching the next generation fuels his passion, and how meaningful mentorship is shaping the future of sports field management.What you'll hear in this week's #GroundskeeperChat: 🌱 Dan's unique journey from aspiring music composer and sports journalist to becoming a professor at Virginia Tech and one of the industry's most respected educators. 🎓 Why mentorship, alumni connections, and real-world networking are just as important as what happens in the classroom. 💧 How practical, people-first research, including water conservation and field management strategies, can make a real impact for sports field managers. 🌟 An honest conversation about imposter syndrome, servant leadership, and why helping students succeed is Dan's greatest measure of success. A little bit more about our guest... Dan Sandor is an Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Management at Virginia Tech, where he teaches the next generation of sports turf professionals. A native of rural Ohio, Dan earned his bachelor's degree from Western Kentucky University, a master's degree in turfgrass science, and a Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas.

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  Episode #155

  Live from Fort Worth: Groundskeeper Chat with Darren Criswell

  Jul 7, 202620 minS1

  Every career has an origin story. Live from the SFMA conference, Sports Turf Manager Darren Criswell shares how a part-time job at a spring training facility sparked a lifelong career in sports turf management. Along the way, we talk mentorship, leadership, earning a seat at the table, and why the toughest days often build the strongest teams. What you'll hear on this week's #GroundskeeperChat: Darren's turf origin story The mentors who shaped his career Leadership lessons learned through experience Why finding a hobby outside of work is key to avoiding burnout A little bit more about our guest... Criswell was previously the Sports Turf Manager at University of Arizona before taking his new role as the Associate Director of Grounds, Landscape and Recycling at San Jose State University.

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