Sports Turf Research: Advancing sports field uniformity and consistency using evidence based testing
This presentation will cover field testing methods and their connection to assessing field performance and wear. It will also explore the interactions between athletes and playing surfaces, along with management practices that enhance surface consistency.
John C. Sorochan, PhD
Distinguished Professor of Turfgrass Science & Management
University of Tennessee
Dr. John Sorochan is an internationally recognized leader in athletic field safety. In addition to new cultivar and species evaluation, John’s research focuses on actual athlete to surface interactions for performance and safety as well as ball to surface interactions for soccer, football, baseball and even lawn tennis. John and his team at UT, in collaboration with Michigan State University, are leading turfgrass research for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. He'll share trend setting research results that will positively impact natural grass field management well into the future.
PQS Testing Demonstration
Scott Vose, Technical Advisor with Tom Irwin, will lead a practical demonstration of natural grass field Performance Quality Standards (PQS) testing. Modern instruments, equipment and tools will be used to test for compaction, surface hardness, moisture levels, infiltration, traction/stability, and ball roll/bounce.
Facility & Field Tours
Tours of Holy Cross College's impeccably maintained natural grass athletic fields will be led by Brendon Connor, Superintendent of Grounds and Chase Ferguson, Assistant Director of Athletics/Operations, Events & Championships
Schedule
8:00 a.m.
Registration/Continental Breakfast /Networking
8:45 a.m.
Welcoming Remarks
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Keynote Presentation: Sports Turf Research – John Sorochan, PhD
10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Holy Cross Campus Overview – Brendon Connor & Chase Ferguson
10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Refreshment Break/Networking
11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Modern PQS Testing Standards – Scott Vose & Dr Sorochan
or
Facility & Field Tours – Brendon Connor & Chase Ferguson
11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Modern PQS Testing Standards – Scott Vose & Dr Sorochan
or
Facility & Field Tours – Brendon Connor & Chase Ferguson
12:30 n – 1:30 p.m.
Lunch/Networking
1:30 p.m.
Lower Campus Field Tours (optional)
Participation is limited, so please be sure to sign up early!
Thank you to our Lunch Sponsor/Provider:
Thank you to our Breakfast Sponsor:
Thank you Support Sponsors:
Sponsorship
Sponsorship includes recognition and one company representative. In this format representatives will have the opportunity to join fellow NE-SFMA members for a day filled with high level education, lunch, and facility and field tours.
