The Ohio State University

Brett Tanner (left) was just named the new Direcor of Stadium Grounds for the Columbus Crew MLS Stadium in Columbus, OH.  Brett, from Smithville, OH, started his turf career at Wooster Country Club, before embarking on work experience and internships at The Golf Club, Columbus Crew Stadium, and Arsenal Premier Football Club in England.  He graduated with a degree in Turfgrass Science from Ohio State in March 2007 and immediately got an assistant's position at Crew Stadium. In July 2007 he was promoted to Assistant Field Manager and in April 2008, to his current position as Director of Stadium Grounds.  This is an exciting time to be at Crew Stadium, where they have just erected a new permanent stage to host concerts and events and there is an announcement expected soon about the new training facility construction. Brett hopes to follow in his predecessors footsteps and encourage young people to join the profession. He's also excited about further developing the international internship program at Crew Stadium.

Brett's immediate predecessor, Weston Appelfeller (BS Turfgrass Science, 2006), has started a new position at the Boston Red Sox MLB, under the tutelage of Head Groundsman Dave Mellor (also an OSU Alum). Wes interned at the Red Sox and worked for Brian Gimbel in the Dept. Athletics at OSU.  Wes was the recipient of both the STMA/SAFE Foundation Scholarship in 2005-2006 and the Joe Motz Sports Turf Student of the Year in 2006.

Russell Horn (BS Turfgrass Science, 2007) has moved from his position with the Washington Redskins NFL team to accept a position with the Cleveland Browns NFL Stadium with Head Groundsman Chris Powell. Russell interned with Chris in 2006 and also worked for Brian Gimbel in OSU Athletics. Russell was the recipient of the Joe Motz Sports Turf Student of the Year in 2007.

All three of these talented young men are sure to have a long and successful future in the sports turf industry.