Ask the Expert

Steve Wightman is stadium turf manager of Qualcomm Stadium, home of the San Diego Chargers and San Diego State University Aztecs. He works for the City of San Diego, and has held the position since 1988. Wightman attended the University of Northern Colorado and earned a degree in marketing, finance and economics. He worked for the City of Denver Park and Recreation Department for three years before being named head groundskeeper at Mile High Stadium, where he remained for 13 seasons.

how did you get the job managing the denver broncos' field without an agronomy degree?

I’m asked that question all the time. My answer is, of course things have changed since I got into the industry 34 years ago. It’s a lot more technically oriented. I was 26 years old when I was named head groundskeeper at Mile High Stadium. I got the job because I showed up for work every day and worked hard. I got along with everyone and was willing to go above and beyond. It’s up to the individual to invest in their own career. You have to go out and seek further knowledge of your craft, and that’s what I did. I’d pick up the phone and call Harry Gill in Milwaukee, George Toma in Kansas City, Dick Ericson in Minnesota, or Dr. James Watson and Dr. Jackie Butler at Colorado State University because I wasn’t afraid to ask the “stupid” questions. On the other hand, I depend on my business degree everyday. I use it for planning, organization, people management, budgeting and putting together logical solutions to problems. The agronomics I had to learn on the job.

Could you have followed that career path today?

It’s more difficult to get to this level today without paying your dues. The emphasis on agronomics, turfgrass and soil science is much greater than it’s ever been, and rightly so. Players are making $10 million a year, and this is the stage on which they perform. It had better be right. Sports turf management is not a 9 to 5 job. You have to be willing to work weekends and holidays when everyone else is playing. You’re working because they’re playing at your place. You’re always on call, and you have to be willing to do that. While you need to learn the agronomic issues of your craft, that doesn’t necessarily require a four year degree. You need to constantly stay abreast of technology.

How about the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA)?

I am a member, and the beauty of STMA is that it is a wealth of information. It gives access to tons of literature and research. That is being underutilized; the STMA is a great resource. The people at STMA are willing to share information and save you time in developing your career. That’s what it’s all about. Get involved in the industry; that is the key to success. No one has all the answers, even with a doctorate degree.

What are the greatest challenges in your job?

I am in charge of the entire facility, including the structure, parking lots, trade groups and field. In the off-season we have monster truck and motocross events. This is an entertainment business, and we’re stage hands. We’re constantly changing the stage, and if it wears out, we resod it. In many cases, we don’t have time to agronomically recover from a worn surface.

What is the most satisfying part of your job?

Instant gratification. There aren’t many jobs where you can go out everyday and perform some function on the field and right away see the results of your efforts. When I see perfect, straight lines and uniform, green color, I look back and am satisfied with what it took to get to that point. That caps it off for me. I’m very fortunate to have an excellent grounds crew, led by my assistant, Bill Gibbs. His leadership and the hard work of Frank Garrido and Bobby Slabe have made the field one of the best in the NFL. I don’t think there’s anything more satisfying for a field manager than to have the players say it’s a great field.