March 14, 2002
Ames, Iowa - Iowa State University student teams placed first, second and eleventh at the Eighth Annual Collegiate Turf Bowl Competition held Feb. 8 in Orlando, Fla. The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America sponsored the contest.
The ISU teams competed against students from 26 states. Nick Christians, who is the turf club advisor and a horticulture professor at Iowa State University, said students began preparing for the contest in November.
"This is some very good feedback on how well are students are being trained in comparison with other students nationwide," Christians said.
A total of 58 teams consisting of four members competed from across the United States. The students were judged on results of a two-hour written test based on their knowledge of plant sciences, soils, grass species, diseases, weeds, insects and plant growth and development.
The students were mainly horticulture majors with an emphasis in turfgrass management. Christians said the competition helps students prepare for careers in golf course management.