Athletic Field Blog

Maryanne Baglos
ESPN Wide World of Sports
2025 Class of Pioneers in the Field

On one unforgettable morning, we traveled the world with Maryanne Baglos, without ever leaving Florida. In every corner of the globe represented at Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival, Maryanne and her team’s work was on full display: bonsai trees in China, elaborate character topiaries in Italy, and iconic movie scenes crafted entirely from succulents.

Kyle Leppelmeier
Head Groundskeeper // Toledo Mudhens
2025 Class of Pioneers in the Field

For Kyle Leppelmeier, pride and people are at the heart of his long days and even longer nights at Fifth Third Field. Like the mentors who helped shape him and the crew he leads today, Kyle takes pride not just in the ballfields he builds, but the people behind them. That pride comes from creating a safe and playable baseball diamond. 

Ryan Bjorn
Field Superintendent // Gilette Stadium
2025 Class of Pioneers in the Field

It only takes a spark, a moment so small it might go unnoticed, to ignite a lifelong passion. For some that spark might be a song on the radio or a chance encounter. For Ryan Bjorn, Field Superintendent for Gillette Stadium, that spark came in the form of a Fenway park field design.

Andy Levy
Director of Turf // State Farm Stadium
2025 Class of Pioneers in the Field

It’s a Saturday afternoon in the Arizona desert. Tomorrow, fans, coaches, and players will descend on State Farm Stadium—home of the Arizona Cardinals. But long before kickoff, Andy Levy, Director of Turf, can be found leading his crew in a well-rehearsed ritual of maintenance, painting, and precision.

Chase Straw
Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Soils // Penn State University
2025 Class of Pioneers in the Field

If you had told 17-year-old Chase Straw that he’d one day feel most at home in front of a classroom, sharing his passion for turfgrass science, he would have had a few questions—starting with, “What’s turfgrass science?” 

Ryan DeMay
Founder of Field Source
2025 Class of Pioneers in the Field

In his favorite role to date, Ryan DeMay steps foot onto a different movie set every day. There’s always a new cast of characters, a different threat or challenge to conquer, but he often runs off the same script. Ryan DeMay, flawlessly delivers his lines with the goal of bringing safety and playability to community-level sports fields. Ryan said, “I’m truly in my element when the on-air light is on, we’ve got one take, no edits, let’s go."