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 State's 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 Michigan's head groundskeeper from 1999 to 2003.
She has learned from Michigan legend Lloyd Carr and current Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio, who praised Fouty's on-field abilities.
"Amy and her staff do a tremendous job with the turf," Dantonio said. "This is like her baby, so there's never a question in my mind that she's 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 don't worry about it because she's a perfectionist and that gives me a great peace of mind. I've been that way since I've been here."
The following is Fouty's story, in her words:
Growing up in a sports-centered family
Before 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 turf
After 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 didn't 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 it's 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 lead
Former Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr taught me about football from a coach's perspective. I would watch game film with the coaches and the team to gain a better understanding of the team's playing style and how each player movement was affected by or affecting the playing surface.
Over the years, I have continued to ask Michigan State's 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 Carr's and Coach Dantonio's 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 rivalry
I 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 Stadium
One 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 we've hosted other special events and concerts that include top bands like U2.
Measure twice, cut once
Football 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 week's agenda for the impending game. This entire process takes about an hour or two.
Our biggest rival: The weather
The 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 I've 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.
#TurfTip
Having 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 love
I don't prepare for a game based on the other team. My focus is getting the field as perfect as possible for our team's 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 I've 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."
