Andy McNitt
Andy McNitt
Professor Emeritus // Penn State
2024 Class of Pioneers in the Field
Four decades ago turfgrass chose Andy McNitt. McNitt, the recently retired professor of soil science, director of the Center for Sports Surface Research, and advisor to the NFL said the career path in the turfgrass industry chose him forty years ago and it was a no brainer to dive in head first. With the daily opportunity to seek the truth and be surrounded by people who were motivated by the same things, McNitt built a life and legacy rooted in grass, friendship and innovation.
Professionals in the industry, our respected associations, over 1,000 Penn State students, and the sports turf world as we know it today, credit McNitt as a mentor, leader and friend. McNitt said it was those exact people who sold him on the industry and who kept him coming back year after year. “The people of our industry are what has been at the core of my career. Being at Penn State, I was offered the opportunity to stay home and serve my community and future generations. There has been no greater reward than to see my students succeed in the real world alongside peers and professionals the sports turf industry was built around.”
In many facets of McNitt’s career, persistence and staying motivated, despite delayed gratification, were often the name of the game. McNitt studied at Penn State for nine years in pursuit of his masters and PhD, all the while working full-time. McNitt and his wife, Teresa, also welcomed six children during the course of that time. McNitt said, “in academics it might be years before you see the fruits of your labor. Whether that’s a new degree, research you’re conducting or students you’re investing in. In order to stay motivated you have to keep an open mind, question yourself constantly, and never relent in your pursuit of the truth.”
Academics gave McNitt the opportunity to help build the foundation of our future in the sports turf industry. Many of McNitt’s students would go on to hold impactful positions in our industry, taking McNitt’s lessons across the globe. McNitt established the Center for Sports Surface Research at Penn State, a source for how injuries correlate with surfaces and field conditions. In the NFL, McNitt’s research and findings helped set the standards we operate under today. McNitt will continue to offer his aid to the organization as they bring the World Cup to North America in 2026. McNitt’s impact is and will continue to be far-reaching because of the relationships he established in and outside of the classroom.
Reflecting on those pivotal people, McNitt was grateful to have mentors who taught him about everything he couldn’t read about in books. McNitt said, “Dr. Waddington gave me the scientific perspective and the intellect during my days learning from him in the lab. Dr. Landschoot taught me how to be an academic and often time kept me from running off the rails. Bob Hudzik was the long-time athletic manager at Penn State and I copied many of his philosophies. A lot of my early research ideas came from him. He gave me the practical side of athletic field management. And Tony Leonard changed the trajectory of my career. He gave me a seat at the table and we both grew from that.”
"[...] in academics it might be years before you see the fruits of your labor. Whether that’s a new degree, research you’re conducting or students you’re investing in. In order to stay motivated you have to keep an open mind, question yourself constantly, and never relent in your pursuit of the truth."
Andy McNitt
That seat gave McNitt the opportunity to work closely with NFL field managers and help shape the direction the industry would go. Tony Leonard, long-time Vice President of Grounds for the Philadelphia Eagles and Penn State Alumni said Andy was fully in his element when he was gathered with other practitioners talking through a problem or swapping stories. Leonard said his friend McNitt loved to be surrounded by peers who were motivated by the same things as him and attributed McNitt’s pursuit of the truth as his legacy in the industry.
Leonard said, “I’ve been lucky to have Andy as a resource for the entirety of my career. Andy deeply cares about this industry and he was always in search of the answers that changed the course of our profession. Andy is a tremendous person, he’s insightful, he’s honest and he’s an excellent listener. The perspective and experience he brings to a conversation is unmatched. When Andy started his traction and shoe studies, he was the trailblazer in that research. His interest and investment in that topic changed the way we do things as sports field managers. Andy has done an incredible job in teaching others, while simultaneously learning himself. So many of us can point to Andy and his work and say that is someone who changed the course of our careers. If you, like myself, were mentored or worked alongside Andy, you were one of the lucky ones.”
"I’ve been lucky to have Andy as a resource for the entirety of my career. Andy deeply cares about this industry and he was always in search of the answers that changed the course of our profession. Andy is a tremendous person, he’s insightful, he’s honest and he’s an excellent listener. The perspective and experience he brings to a conversation is unmatched..."
Tony Leonard, Vice President of Grounds for the Philadelphia Eagles
Another NFL field manager that reflects on his time with McNitt fondly is Wayne Ward, retired Head Groundskeeper for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Ward joked that Andy won’t be able to stay away from the work for too long, he’ll get dragged back in because his expertise is so vital to our day-to-day operations. Ward also said Andy will continue to love every minute of it. Ward said, “Andy is a great guy to be around, he’s a joke teller and light hearted. When Andy walks in the room everyone knows he’s there, one because he is admired by so many but also because his laugh and spirit can fill any space. If Andy was coming to your field, it was almost like the turf police were coming to see what you did wrong. But Andy had this incredible ability to give you advice while remaining approachable and light-hearted in tough situations. In retirement, I know Andy will love the extra time he gets to spend with his wife and family. But much like my retirement, I don’t think the industry will let him go right now. He’ll continue to be a commanding presence in our rooms.”
"Andy is a great guy to be around, he’s a joke teller and light hearted. When Andy walks in the room everyone knows he’s there, one because he is admired by so many but also because his laugh and spirit can fill any space. If Andy was coming to your field, it was almost like the turf police were coming to see what you did wrong. But Andy had this incredible ability to give you advice while remaining approachable and light-hearted in tough situations..."
Wayne Ward, retired Head Groundskeeper for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Looking back at all he has accomplished, we asked McNitt what he hopes will resonate with others when they reflect on his career or teachings. McNitt said, “It was an absolute kick to be a part of this industry. I got a real joy playing a role in the NFL and the everyday competition that is the lifeblood of our product. I hope people will see that I was always going to search for the truth. I tried to be a straight shooter and find answers that could solve our collective problems. Starting out in extension I was able to help people make connections so they could improve things. Going further, my career in education gave me the stage to provide service and help students succeed. I often get asked how I balanced it all and I’m not sure I did, and definitely never on my own. My wife Teresa is why I got through and why our kids turned out ok.”