Students from the Valley selected for USC's turf maintenance prior to the sports season kickoff
Students at Atwater and Golden Valley High Schools to Assist USC Football Field Preparation
A unique opportunity has arisen for students at Atwater and Golden Valley High Schools, as they have been invited by the University of Southern California (USC) to help prepare their football field for the Trojans' season opener on August 30.
The Turf and Sports Field Management class at both schools is spearheading this venture. Taught at Atwater High School, the class provides students with a practical understanding of sports turf management, offering them hands-on experience that could potentially set the stage for future careers in the industry.
The class, which was first introduced last Fall, is a pioneer on the West Coast, offering students the chance to learn from experienced professionals and gain valuable insights into the world of sports field maintenance and management.
For students like Greyson Dockstader and Cody Peterson from Golden Valley High School, this class is more than just an academic pursuit. Both Dockstader and Peterson have expressed their interest in careers in the turf grass industry, with Peterson hoping the class will cut the wait time for a future career.
The students' involvement in preparing the Trojans' football field could prove to be a significant stepping stone in their careers. The hands-on lesson puts these students directly on the field, learning from the Trojans staff and crew, and offering them a glimpse into the day-to-day operations of maintaining a professional athletic field.
After helping with the preparations, the four students selected for the trip will be invited to watch USC's season opener. This experience could provide them with a valuable networking opportunity, potentially opening doors to future careers in the sports turf industry.
The Atwater program has already attracted athletes who didn't initially consider agriculture as an interest. Dave Gossman, a teacher at Atwater High School, mentioned that the class has seen students excel who may not have initially considered a career in this field.
The Atwater program has been invited to various sports venues, including Pebble Beach and Oracle Park, further demonstrating the value and recognition this class holds.
In summary, the Turf and Sports Field Management class at Atwater and Golden Valley High Schools equips students with career-relevant knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for jobs such as sports turf technician or field manager. This unique opportunity to assist USC in preparing their football field is not only a testament to the students' dedication but also a potential launching pad for their careers in the sports turf industry.
- The Turf and Sports Field Management class, which offers education-and-self-development in the practical understanding of sports turf management, has provided students like Greyson Dockstader and Cody Peterson with the opportunity to learn about sports field maintenance and management by assisting USC's football field preparation.
- Following their assistance in preparing the Trojans' football field, students from Atwater and Golden Valley High Schools could network with industry professionals, potentially enhancing their career prospects in the sports turf industry, an area that the learning from this class could prove beneficial for, even extending to sports like football.
