Kelly Rensel, Head Groundskeeper of the Great Lakes Loons (Low A; Midwest League), has won the Sports Turf Managers Association‘s (STMA) fifth annual “Mowing Patterns Contest.”
Rensel was selected via a Facebook voting contest from October 23 to November 20 for his intricate design at Dow Diamond, home to the Loons.
“Kelly continues to elevate awareness of the sports turf industry through his impeccable field art,” says Kim Heck, CAE, CEO of STMA. “Finding the perfect balance of safety and visual appeal can be challenging, yet he has managed to accomplish this impressive feat.”
Formerly Head Groundskeeper for the Greeneville Astros (Rookie; Appalachian League), Rensel held the same position at the Huntsville Stars (Class AA; Southern League) previously. In 2014, he received the Appalachian League Sports Turf Manager of the Year award. Rensel graduated from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in Sport Administration.
Last year’s winner was Britt Barry, Sports Turf Manager at the Dayton Dragons (Low A; Midwest League). Formerly Head Groundskeeper at the Lexington Legends (Low A; Sally League), Barry won with the elaborate design he produced at Fifth Third Field.
Additionally, Rensel will be included in a future issue of SportsTurf, STMA’s official monthly publication. His design will also have a custom poster featured at the 2018 STMA Conference & Exhibition (January 16-19) in Fort Worth, Texas.
Image of Dow Diamond courtesy STMA.