Our History

On November 1, 1998, a group of individuals supportive of improving sports turf fields across Wisconsin gathered to sign the Sports Turf Managers Association registration and create by-laws for the Wisconsin Chapter of the Sports Turf Managers Association. The President at this time was Rich Riggs.

Updated by-laws of the Association were approved by vote of the general membership on March 15, 2019, under the leadership of President Mike Krupke.

The following are excerpts from the updated By-laws;
“The purpose of the Chapter is to give STMA members a vehicle to network with their peers and to meet regularly for management-level educational opportunities to develop the theory and understanding of sports turf management and advance the art and science of managing that process. The Chapter will, in accomplishing this purpose, operate exclusively without profit and in cooperation with the Sports Turf Managers Association and shall not take any public position contrary to that of the Association.

“It shall be the purpose of this chapter to provide sports turf professionals in the surrounding area an opportunity to meet on a frequent basis to encourage the healthy exchange of management ideas, experiences and expertise. Chapter programs and activities will be directed toward these members. Further, this chapter will encourage non-member management participation at the chapter level and promote their membership in the STMA.”

During the last 22, years the membership has increased and decreased and again increased. The WSTMA has held true to its charter and offered numerous events across the State of Wisconsin to increase the knowledge and skills of turfgrass managers and to increase the safety and playability of sports fields. We continue to be an active Chapter and participant with the national STMA.

Presently, the finances are strong and the Association has offered student scholarships to support incoming professionals. The Association has also offered grants to assist current sports turf managers to attend the national conference, paying for registration, travel, and lodging. Additionally, the WSTMA has been financing further studies in turfgrass management in support of the OJ Noer Turfgrass Research Center in Verona, WI.

May, 2020