What began as a summer job working at a golf course has blossomed into a 26-year sports turf management career that has allowed Amy Fouty to experience the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry as both a Wolverine and a Spartan.Fouty, who grew up in Wisconsin, has been Michigan States sports turf manager since 2003. Joining Michigan State made complete sense for her, considering she was part of its turf-grass management program from 1994 to 1996. But consider the fact she moved to East Lansing from rival Ann Arbor after she was Michigans head groundskeeper from 1999 to 2003.She has learned from Michigan legend Lloyd Carr and current Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio, who praised Foutys on-field abilities.Amy and her staff do a tremendous job with the turf, Dantonio said. This is like her baby, so theres never a question in my mind that shes going to do everything she can to make sure the turf is in a playable condition, and I really think we have one of the greatest fields in the country. I really dont worry about it because shes a perfectionist and that gives me a great peace of mind. Ive been that way since Ive been here.The following is Foutys story, in her words:Growing up in a sports-centered familyBefore I knew anything about sports turf management, I always joked that my dream job would be to take care of Lambeau Field. I grew up outside of Milwaukee, and even though my mother was a nurse and father was a geologist, sports and sporting events were consistently intertwined with my family. Whether it was playing softball, watching the Milwaukee Bucks or tailgating at a Brewers game, we were constantly doing something sports related. Even during all family holidays, we would get together with my grandparents and huddle around the TV to watch whatever game was on that night. My grandparents were both huge influences on my life, and whenever my grandpa would work on the yard, he would let me help.Finding my home turfAfter studying psychology at Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin, I worked at a golf course in Whitmore Lake, Michigan. I was responsible for 350 acres, managing the staff and purchasing all of the golf course supplies and equipment. It gave me relevant experience in all phases of managing a large scale operation and prepared me for my next position at the University of Michigan.Michigan was my first foray into the world of Division I college athletics, but being tasked with maintaining one of the most historic college football fields of all time didnt faze me. Being able to manage my emotions and not get too high or low in the moment is essential when leading people. I went in with the knowledge that its my job to prepare as if each game is the most important game of the season and translate that to my team in a way they can process and function.Great leaders leadFormer Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr taught me about football from a coachs perspective. I would watch game film with the coaches and the team to gain a better understanding of the teams playing style and how each player movement was affected by or affecting the playing surface.Over the years, I have continued to ask Michigan States head coach Mark Dantonio and the other great coaches I work with to mentor me in the specific sports they coach. This allows me to continue to incorporate the science of turf-grass management and the art of field preparation. With that knowledge, my staff and I can provide the highest quality playing surface possible for our student-athletes.I am fortunate to be able to watch and learn how great programs are developed and maintained from the inside, through good times and through adversity. I will always be grateful for Coach Carrs and Coach Dantonios insights into the game of football and to get to see their individual leadership styles of the student-athletes and support staff on display.The rivalryI did not grow up in Michigan, so the rivalry was not something I understood or considered when I left Michigan to go to Michigan State. As you work at any place, you see things and experience things that help you gain a unique and diverse perspective. I would not be where I am as a person or professional without my experiences at both Michigan and Michigan State.One of the differences between the schools is their respective playing surfaces. There are many challenges in maintaining both artificial and natural surfaces, but the bottom line is that a good grass field is preferred over an excellent artificial surface when it comes to wear and tear on the athletes. This has been substantiated through NFLPA playing surface opinion surveys and injury data collection statistics.The field at Spartan StadiumOne of the most important things about the field at Spartan Stadium is that it is a representation of our agricultural tradition at MSU. Michigan State was the first land grant institution in the country and we are very proud to represent our agricultural roots while taking on the responsibility that is maintaining the field at Spartan Stadium.We have a small crew and one full-time assistant who manage a number of different outdoor facilities and fields, all of which feature Kentucky bluegrass. For football games, the university decides what the midfield logo will be, and unlike the NFL, we do not make changes to our markings. In addition to football games at the stadium, during my time at Michigan State weve hosted other special events and concerts that include top bands like U2.Measure twice, cut onceFootball field preparation for the season begins the day after the spring game. Our focus is to grow a high-quality playing surface and maintain field health throughout the summer. About 95 percent of the time, this five-month period will determine the overall success or failure of the field during the season. Planning and proper execution is always the key to success.All preparations for game days occur the week prior to the game, so monitoring the weather is almost a sport in and of itself. In a perfect world, the Sunday following a Saturday game we will finish field repairs and clean up select areas around the field; Monday we let the field rest and recover; Tuesday we mow; and Wednesday and Thursday we paint. Painting is a two-day venture with all of the markings and logos we have to detail and keep fresh.Fridays are our busy days because after we mow and detail specific areas, we coordinate with the Michigan State production liaison to work with TV production crews. All interviews are scheduled and approved for specific times when we can be present.During the actual game, we watch the field closely even though there are typically no in-game repairs to be made. By the fourth quarter, I have reviewed the weather for the upcoming week and already have a game plan for the maintenance and repair of the field. After we assist all postgame on-field activities involving the band, cheerleaders and media, my assistant and I discuss next weeks agenda for the impending game. This entire process takes about an hour or two.Our biggest rival: The weatherThe week of game preparation in East Lansing without weather challenges are rare. We do our best to prepare the field so playing conditions are as consistent as possible. We have incorporated new technologies, such as temperature and moisture sensors in our natural grass fields, to assist us in our everyday field maintenance.Every situation involving weather is different and every game prep week presents its own challenges. The two most extreme games Ive been a part of came in 2014 against Rutgers in our final home game of the season and in our second game of the season in 2011 against Florida Atlantic. Prior to kickoff against Rutgers, we had to plow the field and shovel the stadium in single-digit temperatures. That was an incredible undertaking and the hardest working week in my life. Against Florida Atlantic, it rained cats and dogs all game, which is usually the cause of extraordinary wear and tear between the hashmarks. In both instances, the field responded and played quite well. Weather preparation is learned through the years and each conquered weather event is a badge of honor in our profession.#TurfTipHaving worked in this profession for almost 30 years, friends and family always ask me for lawn care advice. My #TurfTip is to remember to fertilize twice a year, and personally I like to take advantage of holiday weekends like Memorial Day and Labor Day.Embracing the moment at the place I loveI dont prepare for a game based on the other team. My focus is getting the field as perfect as possible for our teams playing style. Every game on the calendar is a big game to us, with the most important game being the next one.My favorite parts of working in turf are the people and relationships Ive built over the years. I have been fortunate to befriend and be mentored by many sports field managers that I have met as a member of the Sports Turf Managers Association.In terms of loyalty, I have been blessed to work at MSU for 12 years. The university has fully entrusted me with the responsibility to maintain some of their highest profile facilities. At Michigan State, we like to say we set the stage for greatness. Nike Dunk High Mens . Fred Couples, captain of the U.S. side, put it all into perspective. "We know whos in charge," he said. Nike Dunk Sb China . Badenhop was 2-3 with a 3.47 ERA in 63 relief appearances for Milwaukee this season. He is 18-20 in his career with three saves and a 3. http://www.nikedunkscheap.com/nike-dunk-low-shoes.html . Murray beat Sam Querrey 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 6-1, 6-3 to clinch Britains opening-round victory against the United States on Sunday at Petco Park. "Im proud of the way Im playing just now, because I had to do a lot of work to get back to where I want to be," Murray said after celebrating with his teammates on the red clay court in a temporary stadium in left field of the downtown home of baseballs San Diego Padres. Nike Sb Dunk Low Cheap . Now, correct me if Im wrong but I saw one official distinctly pointing at the net indicating a good goal but after an inconclusive review they overturned the goal. Shouldnt the ruling on the ice (good goal) stand after an inconclusive review? Why was this overturned? James Veaudry Pembroke, ON -- Hey Kerry, Youll get a lot of these, but why was the Montreal goal against Nashville Saturday night overturned? Eller puts the puck on net and the on ice ruling from the ref behind the net is a Montreal goal. Nike Dunk High Cheap . The mixed zone is not a place to make friends. In March 1947, just few months before India gained freedom, two Indian batsmen rode merrily to a world-record, one that stood for sixty years until a pair of Sri Lankan batsmen bettered it recently. A great domestic rivalry, the final of the premier domestic competition, a polo ground, and a matting wicket formed the setting when a short, swashbuckling left-hander, all of five foot five inches tall, and a technically superior master made merry under the Baroda sun. As Gul Mohammad and Vijay Hazare frolicked in the middle, the Maharaja of Baroda, all padded up, had to wait for 538 minutes before he could bat.It was once said that a fish could not slither out of Gul Mohammads hands. Like a tiger on the prowl in the covers, he ranked among the best fielders India has ever produced. But it is with his bat in the hand that he starred on that March day. Mohammad was an attractive batsman, a player you would go to watch because he would be always doing something, Raju Bharatan, the veteran Indian journalist recalls. A lively operator of the new ball, then he would move to covers where he was an outstanding fielder. He always had his chest open, giving an impression of an aggressive mian. He was not a high scorer, his motivation used to run out after a century. So this was one noteworthy partnership. Hazare also should take some credit for this partnership. He was the perfect foil for the attacking Mohammad.Hazare had already shone with the ball before he showcased his batting prowess. Moving the ball off the seam he utilised the matting track effectively, claiming six wickets, to wipe out Holkar for 202. CK Nayudu, one of Holkars favourite sons and Indias first captain, replied in kind, prising out three top-order wickets with his medium-pace, leaving Baroda at a wobbly 91 for 3. Enter Hazare and Mohammad to instigate a Holkar black-out.Three years earlier, under another hot March sun, the duo had racked up a 300-run partnership for Bengal Cyclone XI against Bijapur Famine XI, where theyd thwarted a Test-class attack comprising Lala Amarnath, Amir Elahi, Chandu Sarwate and Ranga Sohoni. A special call from Maharaja of Baroda had attracted Mohammad to shift from Northern India to Baroda and he justified the move with, what some witnesses termed, a display of fantastic hittingg.dddddddddddd Sarwate, talented young spinner nurtured by Nayudu, was again on the recieving end. Suffering along with him were Hiralal Gaekwad, who ended with 374 first-class wickets at 23.62, Madhavsinh Jagdale (72, 25.77), and the legbreak bowler CS Nayudu (647, 26.54).The duo went on for eight hours and 53 minutes, almost sticking adhesively to the mat in the middle. Mohammed, as his wont, attacked merrily, driving and hooking with flair while Hazare, in his stay of 638 minutes, was customarily assured. Vivek Hazare, Vijays brother and one who played in that game, recalled that nearly 6000 people came to watch the game and cheered Baroda on. He remembered the scenes at the end: The word soon spread that it was a record and many ran into the field.Both fell to the same combination - c Jagdale b Gaekwad - but not before going past Frank Worrell and Clyde Walcotts 574 for Barbados against Trinidad at Port-of-Spain in 1945-46. It took 50 years for anyone to threaten the mark - when Sanath Jayasuriya and Roshan Mahanama came within a run of equaling it in Colombo - and only nine years later was it eventually beaten. With a massive 582-run lead, Barodas bowlers, led by Amir Elahi scythed through the Holkar line-up, and ran away to a memorable title triumph.A few months on, Hazare and Mohammad were to take divergent routes. Hazare went on to have an illustrious international career and captained India in 14 Tests - he even led them to their first Test victory. On the other hand, Mohammad, whod earlier earned his India cap on the trip to England in 1946, didnt set the international arena on fire. In an interview many years later, he was critical of the Nawab of Pataudis captaincy, alleging that no-one apart from Vijay Merchant was given a reasonable run. He played against Pakistan in their first two Tests against India in 1952-53. He later migrated there and represented Pakistan in one Test against Australia - as an interesting aside, Mohammad was the only Pakistani to have played against Don Bradman. He had toured under Lala Amarnath and an Australian critic had described him as a daring batsman who often made ones heart leap into the mouth. ' ' '