Finn, Grounds Staff Earns Nation's Top Honor for Yokubaitis Field
2/2/2023 2:27:00 PM | Soccer
SFMA awards Houston grounds trio for year-round investment
HOUSTON – When Brad Finn was hired on as the University of Houston's Assistant Athletics Director for Grounds, Facilities & Events in 2020, the position was the first of its kind for the Cougars. That innovation and investment has continued paying off.
Last month in Salt Lake City, Finn and his team accepted the Sports Field Management Association's (SFMA) award for the 2022 College Soccer Field of the Year for Yokubaitis Field, something that Finn never could have imagined.
"I was really shocked," Finn said. "I've been going to these national shows since 2013. This was my 10th year being part of SFMA. You see people up on stage accepting these awards and would love to be up there someday. It goes to show we're doing the right things nutrient and care wise. It shows the dedication our team has. It's extremely gratifying."
Finn and his team, which includes Assistant Directors Colby Murray and Mark Medellin, applied for the award by submitting quarterly reports and accompanying imagery from January-December 2022. The awards committee places an emphasis on limiting pesticides, maximizing resources and being environmentally friendly.
Finn's 5-6-member grounds group, which also includes a seasonal intern and part-time help, puts in year-round work for Yokubaitis Field, utilizing a program featuring granular fertilizer once per month and liquid fertilizer three-four times per month. Finn treats the field on a weekly basis with just fertilizer alone in addition to mowing three-to-four times per week during the growing season all with a focus on delivering a championship-level surface.
"Jaime has really shown a particular interest in the field," Finn said of Head Soccer Coach Jaime Frias. "He understands what he's trying to produce from a soccer standpoint. I'm working to provide them that quality of a product. I've always worked to have that level of accountability and show that support."
The Boston native received his undergraduate degree in Turfgrass Science & Management from UMass with his 10-year career path including three seasons with the New England Patriots, two stints at the University of Michigan, time at Boston College and most recently across town at Rice.
In addition to Yokubaitis Field, Finn maintains Cougar Softball Stadium, Houston Football's two practice fields, campus intramural fields, TDECU Stadium, Schroeder Park and Football Indoor Practice Facility as well as overseeing Houston Athletics' landscaping contract.
Yokubaitis Field, named for generous supporters Carolyn & Ron Yokubaitis, was built in 2001, and as part of the Carl Lewis Track and Field and Soccer Complex and has served as the homefield advantage for both programs. Last August, the facility has also served as a training ground for the U-20 Women's National Team ahead of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.
"We're providing our student-athletes a reliable and safe playing surface which is the most important thing," Finn said. "We're investing in student-athlete health, wellness and safety. Any time I talk to any one of our athletes, they have that piece of mind going out on the field."
The Sports Turf Managers Association was officially formed in 1981 to facilitate the sharing of ideas and information. The association has 2,700 members and is headquartered in Lawrence, Kansas.
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Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference. Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win when we start Big 12 competition in July 2023. Click here to rise and be counted.
JOIN the COUGAR RESERVES
Fans are invited to join the Cougar Reserves to support Houston Soccer. Cougar Reserves members provide financial support directly to Houston Soccer for needs beyond the program's operating budget. For more information about levels of giving and benefits, fans can click here.
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Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarSoccer on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarSoccer or on the team's Instagram page at @uhcougarsoccer.
Last month in Salt Lake City, Finn and his team accepted the Sports Field Management Association's (SFMA) award for the 2022 College Soccer Field of the Year for Yokubaitis Field, something that Finn never could have imagined.
"I was really shocked," Finn said. "I've been going to these national shows since 2013. This was my 10th year being part of SFMA. You see people up on stage accepting these awards and would love to be up there someday. It goes to show we're doing the right things nutrient and care wise. It shows the dedication our team has. It's extremely gratifying."
Finn and his team, which includes Assistant Directors Colby Murray and Mark Medellin, applied for the award by submitting quarterly reports and accompanying imagery from January-December 2022. The awards committee places an emphasis on limiting pesticides, maximizing resources and being environmentally friendly.
Finn's 5-6-member grounds group, which also includes a seasonal intern and part-time help, puts in year-round work for Yokubaitis Field, utilizing a program featuring granular fertilizer once per month and liquid fertilizer three-four times per month. Finn treats the field on a weekly basis with just fertilizer alone in addition to mowing three-to-four times per week during the growing season all with a focus on delivering a championship-level surface.
"Jaime has really shown a particular interest in the field," Finn said of Head Soccer Coach Jaime Frias. "He understands what he's trying to produce from a soccer standpoint. I'm working to provide them that quality of a product. I've always worked to have that level of accountability and show that support."
The Boston native received his undergraduate degree in Turfgrass Science & Management from UMass with his 10-year career path including three seasons with the New England Patriots, two stints at the University of Michigan, time at Boston College and most recently across town at Rice.
In addition to Yokubaitis Field, Finn maintains Cougar Softball Stadium, Houston Football's two practice fields, campus intramural fields, TDECU Stadium, Schroeder Park and Football Indoor Practice Facility as well as overseeing Houston Athletics' landscaping contract.
Yokubaitis Field, named for generous supporters Carolyn & Ron Yokubaitis, was built in 2001, and as part of the Carl Lewis Track and Field and Soccer Complex and has served as the homefield advantage for both programs. Last August, the facility has also served as a training ground for the U-20 Women's National Team ahead of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.
"We're providing our student-athletes a reliable and safe playing surface which is the most important thing," Finn said. "We're investing in student-athlete health, wellness and safety. Any time I talk to any one of our athletes, they have that piece of mind going out on the field."
The Sports Turf Managers Association was officially formed in 1981 to facilitate the sharing of ideas and information. The association has 2,700 members and is headquartered in Lawrence, Kansas.
SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference. Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win when we start Big 12 competition in July 2023. Click here to rise and be counted.
JOIN the COUGAR RESERVES
Fans are invited to join the Cougar Reserves to support Houston Soccer. Cougar Reserves members provide financial support directly to Houston Soccer for needs beyond the program's operating budget. For more information about levels of giving and benefits, fans can click here.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarSoccer on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarSoccer or on the team's Instagram page at @uhcougarsoccer.