The Ohio State University

 The Joe Motz Sports Turf Student of the Year award is given to a student that has shown great enthusiasm for their studies and the sports turf industry.  It is given in honor of OSU Alum, Joe Motz. Joe graduated in 1977 and went on to create one of the largest sports turf construction companies in the world. He currently has field projects in the USA, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East. Joe sponsors this award with a monetary gift for the student and a donation to the OSU Turf Club.

The 2007 recipient is Russell Horn. From Wooster, Ohio, Russ recently graduated from OSU with a degree in turfgrass science and a minor in plant pathology. He made the Deans List several times and was awarded an OTF Scholarship in 2005.  He is also an active member of the Turf Club, OTF, and OSTMA and he travelled to the national STMA twice to compete in the student quiz bowl.

Russ started his career as a groundsman at the College of Wooster in 2000. Since that time he has worked at Ohio State Varsity Athletics and interned at the Cleveland Browns.  Chris Powell, Field Manager at the Browns, had the following to say:  "Russell Horn's transition from the classroom to the field was very impressive. Russell's depth of knowledge and its practical application assured me of his thorough understanding of the concepts taught to him.  With such a sound foundation, coupled with his work ethic, he excelled well beyond the expectations of an intern. Russell is definitely ready for our profession and our profession is definitely looking for people like Russell".

Since graduating in March 2007, Russell has started a new position as assistant groundskeeper at the Washington Redskins.