On Jan. 8, St. Francis Area Schools Grounds Lead Nate Williamson was honored as the Heritage PPG/Minnesota Park and Sports Field Management Association (MPSFMA) Sports Field Manager of the Year, while the SFHS softball field was recognized as the Turfco/MPSFMA Field of the Year.
“It's an honor and a privilege to be selected as one of the best fields in the industry,” Williamson said. “I am very grateful to the district for the support they have provided our department and to give us the tools to succeed. I cannot speak highly enough of the support from our vendors, contractors, and other members of the MPSFMA. Lastly, none of this would have been possible without the effort and commitment from the rest of the grounds crew. I believe the work we do is important in providing support for athletic departments and enhancing the appearance of the buildings so the community can take pride in calling St. Francis Area Schools home.”
Williamson accepted the awards at the MPSFMA Annual Meeting at CHS Field in Saint Paul where he was also elected as the 2nd Vice President to the board.
“I am excited to serve on the board of directors for the MPSFMA and continue to advocate for the education sector of sports field management,” Williamson said.
In his email to Williamson about the honors, Trent Waters, the MPSFMA President and the Grounds Manager for the Minnesota Twins, said “Nate's work at St. Francis has been outstanding. From getting the softball field redone, to getting bids for the new irrigation system and painting the football field different themes each week is no small task. He is very self-motivated and always seems to try and better himself.”
“Nate's hard work, determination, and knowledge to make the District sports fields the best in the state are unrivaled,” said SFAS Maintenance, Grounds, and Custodial Supervisor Chuck Imker. “Nate spends a lot of time on each and every field, making sure that it is in the best possible shape for every team that plays on any of the fields. He is one of the hardest workers that I have had the privilege to work with.”
Note: While this article was being developed, Nate resigned from his position for an opportunity to work in Grounds at a college campus in the Twin Cities. SFAS administration would like to take this opportunity to thank Nate for his dedication to the job and wish him the absolute best in his future.
Know someone who would like to work in Grounds at SFAS? Two positions with Grounds, including the Grounds Lead position, are posted at isd15.org/jobs.