2009 NCAA Field Hockey Tournament Set, Every game to be played on AstroTurf

The field for the 2009 NCAA Division I Field Hockey Championship is now set and once again, it is dominated by teams that train and play on AstroTurf®. 15 of the 16 teams that will compete for the National Championship play their home games on AstroTurf 12®, the premium surface for field hockey in the world.

In addition, every game of the 2009 Tournament will played on AstroTurf 12™, including the Final Four and Championship games at Wake Forest University’s Kentner Stadium.
The facility houses permanent seating for nearly 4,000 spectators as well as a press box, upper-level viewing area, restrooms, lights, a state-of-the-art scoreboard, and concession facilities in addition to the state-of-the-art AstroTurf 12 surface that was installed in 2004.

AstroTurf 12™ is a short-pile, knitted nylon product recognized worldwide as the preferred surface for field hockey pitches, which require high degrees of planarity, extremely tight tolerances and sophisticated drainage systems. Endorsed by the International Field Hockey Federation (FIH) and USA Field Hockey, AstroTurf 12™ provides uniform traction and consistent footing, is UV resistant, has a low-glare surface and reduces watering and maintenance costs. AstroTurf 12™ has a storied reputation as the best surface, bar none, for field hockey. It started in the summer of 1976 in Montreal at the Olympics and for decades, from Argentina to Europe, from the Indian Subcontinent to South Africa – and throughout the U.S. and Canada – AstroTurf has been the surface of choice for hockey clubs, school programs, tournaments and organizations.

The NCAA Division I Field Hockey Committee announced the field of 16 teams for the 2009 NCAA Division I Field Hockey Championship on Tuesday. Five conferences were awarded automatic qualification. In addition, six conferences competed for three play-in berths and the remaining eight teams were selected at large.

The following conferences and their representatives received automatic qualification:

Atlantic Coast Conference - University of Maryland, College Park
Big East Conference - University of Connecticut
Big Ten Conference - Michigan State University
Colonial Athletic Association - University of Delaware
Ivy Group - Princeton University

The teams winning the play-in berths were American University from the Patriot League, the University of Richmond from the Atlantic 10 Conference and Stanford University from the Northern Pacific Field Hockey Conference.

In 2008, Maryland claimed its sixth NCAA Division I Field Hockey Championship title with a 4-2 victory over Wake Forest at Trager Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky.

Click here to follow the 2009 NCAA Division I Field Hockey Tournament

WSU Eck Stadium Installation nearly complete

The new GameDay Grass 3D installation in Eck Stadium at Wichita State University is nearing completion. The enormous "Wu-Man” logo is now in place in centerfield with the WSU logos soon to be placed along the basepaths.

The Wichita State baseball program will be playing an intrasquad baseball game on Sat., Sept. 26 at 2:30 p.m. at Eck Stadium. It will be the first opportunity for fans to see the new field.

You can follow construction at Eck Stadium as it happens on our live webcam

9/11

It’s still strange to not see those two towers glistening in the sunlight when I fly into JFK. I can still remember exactly where I was when I first heard about the attack on the World Trade Center. Today marks the 8 year anniversary of that horrific day, and for someone who grew up in New York, I think about it often. I was lucky not to have personally lost anyone on that fateful day. Many people never returned home that day; husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, children and friends. Nearly 3,000 people lost, on a day that was supposed to change our culture, our thinking and our way of life. For most, the only time we truly reflect on that day is today.

Let’s honor the lives lost that day today and take their memory with us everyday, living our lives to the fullest and taking nothing for granted. That is best way we can honor those who are no longer with us. Take a few moments today to reflect and pray for the families that are incomplete today.

“New York, Concrete jungle where dreams are made of, There’s nothing you can’t do. Now you’re in New York, these streets will make you feel brand new, the lights will inspire you, let’s hear it for New York”. – Jay-Z “Empire State of Mind”

Eck Stadium begins upgrade for field

By Paul Suellentrop
The Wichita Eagle

Wichita State baseball coach Gene Stephenson has words of comfort for the traditionalists who wants baseball played on grass.

Grass is on its way out at Eck Stadium. Stephenson believes players and fans won't see much of a difference with AstroTurf GameDay Grass.

"You run your hand over this stuff, you will think it's grass," he said. "If you had your eyes closed, you would think 'man, this feels like grass.' "

Eck Stadium's transformation to an all-turf playing surface began Tuesday afternoon.

By Wednesday, crews scraped off half of the outfield grass, dismantled the outfield fence and began tearing up the old infield turf.

By the end of September, the synthetic turf will cover the entire playing surface. The pitcher's mound will be the only dirt on the field.

The sliding pits, batters box and base paths will be dirt-colored turf. The turf in those areas will be shorter than the infield and outfield, in order to simulate the look and play of a dirt and grass infield. The batters box will feature removable pieces, held by Velcro, to keep that area looking fresh. The turf features a component, called AstroFlect, that will keep it cooler than other synthetic turfs, West said.

"This will play a lot more like grass and look like natural grass," said Mark West, AstroTurf director of sales. "We feel it replicates grass as closely as it can be replicated."

Stephenson expects the surface to play faster than turf infields at schools such as Kansas State and Texas. West said WSU is the first stadium to use GameDay Grass.

"It will be faster than other turf that's out there, because of the nature of how it's filled," Stephenson said. "But it will be slower than the turf we currently have."

The new turf replaces the old AstroTurf infield, installed after the 1999 season. West said maintenance is minimal. WSU will need to groom the field every 30 days, depending on the amount of use.

"It's going to be fun to play on," Stephenson said. "I think it will be on the cutting edge of new fields for all of baseball."

A construction cam will be up and running in the next few weeks at www.AstroTurfUSA.com. Follow all the progress as the Shockers new state-of-the-art GameDay Grass field is installed.

AstroTurf's Michael Dennis on Fox News Channel

Check out AstroTurf's Michael Dennis was featured on Your World with Neil Cavuto on Fox News Channel this afternoon.

New turf field gives Rams more practice options

By Bill Coats
St. Louis Post-Dispatch

The money that the St. Louis Rams spent in the offseason to put AstroTurf on one of their three practice fields began to pay dividends Saturday. After steady rains struck Rams Park following the morning practice, the grass fields were too soggy for use. So coach Steve Spagnuolo simply used the turf field for the entire afternoon workout, which ran about 1 hour 45 minutes.

As one team official put it, “If we would’ve had to go inside (to the indoor facility) with 80 players, it would’ve been hot and really uncomfortable.”

The players were in shorts and shells after going through an intense, hard-hitting morning practice in full pads.

New look Rams ready to hit the field

There is no time of the year I look forward to more than when the NFL off-season officially ends as teams report for training camp. Thousands of NFL players descend on practice facilities and small town colleges and universities for two-a-days, cafeteria food, film study and team bonding.

This season, the St. Louis Rams will bring their training camp back home to Earth City, Missouri to the Russell Athletic Training Center. The 2009 season also marks the return of AstroTurf to the NFL and St. Louis Rams.

Just in time for the start of training camp on Thursday, July 30, the Rams will christen their new GameDay Grass synthetic practice field from AstroTurf at the Russell Athletic Training Center. The nearly 70,000 square foot field is located directly behind the Training Center adjacent to the two natural grass practice fields and is the only outdoor synthetic turf field at the Russell Athletic Training Center.

ATTB will provide the latest photos and videos from Rams Training camp when it kicks off later this week.

What does Michael Vick’s release mean for the NFL?

Former Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick ended his 23-month federal dogfighting sentence Monday, clearing the way for a possible return to the NFL….maybe.

Before Vick can sign with another team, he must get through NFL Commissioner Roger Goddell. The face to face meeting will happen sometime in the near future as Goddell will assess whether or not the NFL will enforce its own suspension on the former star.

Arguments can be made for both sides. Some people say that Vick has served his time. 18 months behind bars before spending the last two months in home confinement, he should be allowed to return to his profession if the opportunity is there. Others say that what Vick did is unforgivable and he deserves to be suspended by the NFL or possibly not even reinstated back into the league.

Dog fighting is cruel, inhumane and inexcusable. The stories that came out from what was taking place at Vick’s home were utterly disturbing. How could anybody do that to a living animal? How could the NFL’s highest-paid player, making $10 million per season, do such a thing as a hobby? What was he thinking? These are all questions I’m sure the Commish will ask Vick when they sit down.

Earlier this year, Goddell suspended Browns WR Donte Stallworth indefinitely without pay after he plead guilty to DUI manslaughter and was sentenced to just 30 days in jail. One would think that Vick would face at least the same type of treatment.

Either way, Michael Vick is preparing for his comeback. He has hired a world-class trainer to get him back into playing shape should he reinstated for 2009. If this were to happen, you would expect there to be numerous teams that will inquire about the former Pro Bowl Quarterback. The biggest hurdle then will be, is the reward for bring Vick's skills to their team worth the PR hit they are sure to take by signing Michael Vick.

Don't Give up...Don't Ever Give Up...

Last week I had a meeting with a business associate when they noticed the LIVESTRONG band adorned on my right wrist. With the Tour de France underway, he asked me if I was wearing the bright yellow band in support of Lance Armstrong, who is returning to the Tour for the first time since 2005. I jokingly told him that I was not a big bike racing fan, just a fan against cancer.

A few years ago, I had worn that same band made famous by Armstrong as a fashion statement. Today, the band means much more to me. Last October I received the heartbreaking news that my grandmother had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Having to wait in gut wrenching agony over the coming days and weeks as countless doctors worked to determine the severity of the disease and the course of action for her treatment was a true test for our family.

My grandmother is the type of person that shows no fear. She is an emotional woman, yet remarkably brave, resilient, strong and steadfast. I knew that if anyone in the world could beat cancer, it was her. We were not nearly as strong as she was. We were concerned, worried, distraught and angry; why would this happen to her? What did she do wrong? She doesn’t deserve this!

The day I learned of the diagnosis, 772 miles separating us, I spoke with her on the phone and told her that I loved her and that WE would all beat this cancer together. I think I told her that more for myself than for her. She knew she could beat it, I was trying to convince myself. After that conversation, I dug through my drawers and pulled out that old LIVESTRONG band. What was once a fashion symbol created by marketing executives was now a symbol of hope and belief.

In the coming weeks, after dozens of tests, doctors visits and scans, we received the news we had all been hoping and praying for: the cancer was in its early form and with aggressive radiation treatment, it could be treated. Even in her late 70’s I knew she would conquer this disease.

Today, the cancer is in remission and she is as healthy as ever. This miracle could not have been possible if not for the generosity of millions of people around the world, donating billions of dollars for cancer research.

Today is the 5th annual Don't Give Up ESPYS V Foundation Auction on ESPN Radio. Hundred of unique experiences are available for auction both online and on ESPN Radio. Even if you are unable to bid on these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, please log-on to the V Foundation website or call 1-800-4JIMMYV to donate as much or as little as you can. 100% of your contributions will go directly to cancer research.

And as for that bright yellow LIVESTRONG band on my right wrist, I have not removed it for a second since that fateful day in October. Every time I look down, it reminds my of the strength and resiliency my grandmother has displayed every day since and gives me hope that one day, we will cure this disease forever.

Midsummer Classic

Sunday marked the final day of the first half to the 2009 MLB regular season. As the stars arrive in St. Louis for tonight’s Home Run Derby and tomorrows All-Star game, we look back at an interesting first half and look forward to the second half. As for a prediction, I believe this is the year the National League gets its revenge and earns its 1st All-Star Game victory since 1996.

National League 6, American League 4

Midseason Awards

NL Team – San Francisco Giants (49-39, 7 GB NL West, NL Wild Card Leader)

Bruce Bochy’s third season in San Francisco is off to a memorable start. Capped on Friday night with Jonathan Sanchez throwing the first no-hitter of the 2009 season, the Giants find themselves two games up on the Rockies in the NL Wild Card standings.

Coming off a forgettable 72-90 campaign in 2008, the Giants are well positioned to make a run at their first trip to the playoffs since 2003.

The Giants are led by one of the best young pitching staffs in baseball, with All-Stars Tim Lincecum (10-2, 2.33 ERA) and Mat Cain (10-2, 2.42 ERA) heading the group. Barry Zito and Randy Johnson have provided solid veteran leadership and solidified the #3 and #4 positions in the rotation with Jonathan Sanchez now guaranteed the final rotation stop.

The offense has been paced by All-Star snub Pablo Sandoval. The 22 year old 3B is batting a team-high .331 with 14 HR and 53 RBI in 80 games. Veteran C Bengie Molina has provided some needed pop behind the plate, with 11 HR and 50 RBI in 78 games.

Ultimately, the Giants will only go as far as their young starting pitchers will carry them. With Lincecum and Cain on top of the rotation, they are set for a run in the 2nd half.

AL Team - Detroit Tigers (48-39, 1st place in Central)

Another team off to a tremendous start after a tumultuous 2008, the Tigers find themselves with a 3.5 game lead in the Central at the break. After a last place finish in 2008, Jim Leyland’s youngsters have the largest lead of any team in the AL at the half way point.

The offense has been lead by 1st time All-Star 3B Brandon Inge (.264, 19 HR, 54 RBI) and All-Star OF Curtis Granderson (.254, 18 HR, 43 RBI, 15 SB). All-Star snub Miguel Cabrera (.322, 17 HR, 48 RBI) continues to put up solid numbers at first base.

The rotation has been a pleasant surprise for Jim Leyland’s squad. All-Star Justin Verlander has led the rotation (9-4, 3.59 ERA) of youngsters and cast-offs through the first half.

The biggest surprise however has been 1st time All-Star Edwin Jackson (7-4, 2.52 ERA). A promising prospect in the Dodgers farm system, Jackson made his MLB debut at the ripe age of 19 in 2003. After making just 14 starts in 3 seasons in LA, the Dodgers shipped Jackson to Tampa Bay, where he spent two full seasons in the rotation, amassing a 19-26 record in 63 starts with a stint in the bullpen during the 2008 playoffs. Jackson was again traded this off-season to Detroit in exchange for Matt Joyce where he has not disappointed.

At the break, Jackson leads the AL in WHIP (1.060), Hits per 9 IP (6.953), and is 2nd in the AL in ERA (2.515).

The Tigers will be in a three team race down the stretch with the White Sox and Twins for the Central division crown. But expect Jim Leyland to pull out all the stops to keep his young team on top of AL Central.

MVP – Albert Pujols 1B, St. Louis Cardinals

At 29, “The Machine” shows no signs of breaking down. After taking home the 2008 NL MVP, Pujols is the leader in the clubhouse for the 2009 crown. When the second half begins, Pujols will begin his attempt to complete the first Triple Crown in MLB since 1967.

Pujols leads the NL in Home Runs (32), RBIs (87) and is 4th in Batting Average (.332), trailing the leader Hanley Ramirez (.349). MLB’s leading vote getter for the All-Star, Pujols will make his 8th appearance in the midsummer classic, starting at 1B in his home ballpark, Busch Stadium.

Second Half Fearless Predictions

Here is how we see the final stretch of the season shaping up:

National League
East – Philadelphia Phillies
Central – Milwaukee Brewers
West – Los Angeles Dodgers
Wild Card – St. Louis Cardinals

American League
East – Boston Red Sox
Central – Minnesota Twins
West – Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Wild Card – New York Yankees

World Series – Los Angeles Dodgers over the Boston Red Sox

Enjoy the Home Run Derby tonight and All-Star Game tomorrow, and then buckle your seat belt for an exciting second half.

Manning Passing Academy underway at NSU

For the 3rd consecutive year, AstroTurf is proud to be a sponsor of the 2009 Manning Passing Academy at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana. This years camp will host close to 1,000 football players from around the country to learn from some of football best coaches and players.

The camp is hosted by Archie Manning and his family. "Peyton, Cooper, Eli and me have never missed a minute of these camps, " Archie said. "We try to have a lot of fun with the kids. We do see development. We have kids who come back three or four years, although we're not taking credit for (their improvement)."

The camp runs until Sunday at Manning Field built by AstroTurf at John L. Guidry Stadium. The stadium was renovated in 2007 with GameDay Grass 3D from AstroTurf, one of the most advanced synthetic sports surfaces in the industry.

Click here to learn more about Manning Field built by AstroTurf

Click here to learn more about the Manning Passing Academy

St. Louis Rams Select State-of-the-Art System from AstroTurf(R) for Practice Field

First NFL team to install an advanced synthetic turf system from AstroTurf®

AstroTurf brings its latest innovation directly to the National Football League. The announcement came today that the St. Louis Rams have selected AstroTurf® for a new synthetic practice field at Rams Park. The joint construction effort between GSV, AstroTurf and Munie Greencare Professionals will begin immediately and the field will be ready in time for the start of training camp in late July.

"After looking at all the different synthetic turf providers available, we felt AstroTurf was the best choice for us," said Kevin Demoff, St. Louis Rams Executive VP of Football Operations/Chief Operating Officer. "AstroTurf’s commitment to player performance and safety was a major factor in our decision. We can’t wait to get going on our new field."

The latest infilled systems from AstroTurf were designed and refined to meet the rigorous demands and performance characteristics required by the NFL. "This is a huge honor to have our state-of-the-art AstroTurf system validated by the Rams and the National Football League," said GSV Chairman Michael Dennis. "To have the greatest athletes in the world train on our system is a testament to years of testing, research and development that have gone into restoring AstroTurf as a leader in the industry. We are grateful to have been selected and proud to debut this fabulous technology with the Rams and the NFL."

The St. Louis Rams enter the 2009 season with a renewed sense of optimism under the leadership of new head coach Steve Spagnuolo, the former New York Giants Defensive Coordinator. "The Rams new AstroTurf practice field will be one of the finest in the NFL," said Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf. "Everyone at GSV and AstroTurf are honored to have been selected and look forward to being a part of the St. Louis Rams for many years to come."

Installation of GameDay Grass™ 3D featuring astroflect™ Technology complete at The Meadows School

The first installation of GameDay Grass™ 3D from AstroTurf® featuring astroflect™ Technology was completed this week at The Meadows School in Las Vegas, Nevada. Celebrating their 25^th anniversary, the school maintains a total commitment to excellence in education. The Meadows School places 100% of its graduates in four-year accredited colleges and universities.

The 104,011 square foot field is composed of GameDay Grass 3D, one of the most advanced synthetic turf products, featuring best-in-class performance and safety benefits, and characteristics that closely mimic the look and feel of natural grass.

“We knew we were getting the best system available in the marketplace today in the GameDay Grass™ 3D surface from AstroTurf,” said Carolyn Goodman, Founder and President of The Meadows School. “When GeneralSports Venue came back to us and offered their new astroflect™ Technology, they reinforced our decision to select them as a partner. In a climate where managing heat is so important, we are thrilled to provide the students and families of The Meadows School with the first surface of its kind in the country.”

The Mustangs football program has a long and storied history of success, claiming six Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association State Championships since 1997, including the 2008 Class 2A Championship. Under the leadership of Head Coach Frank DeSantis, the Mustangs will break in their new GameDay Grass 3D field as they begin defense of their Class 2A Championship September 4^th against Sunrise Mountain in the 2009 season opener.

100 Days until kickoff at ODU

Our friend Rich Radford at the Virginian-Pilot has this outstanding update this morning. The new GameDay Grass 3D field has arrived and installation will begin any day now. It is an exciting time for AstroTurf, Coach Wilder and everyone at ODU.


Special delivery HamptonRoads.com PilotOnline.com: "Special delivery The carpet is here.

That's right, the rug that will be put in at Foreman Field -- artificial turf, astroturf, whatever you want to call it -- was sitting in the back of an 18-wheeler that had it's engine running as I drove down Bluestone Avenue this morning on my way to work.

I stopped and asked Stan and Fred and Pat and Earl what they had in the back of the truck. The conversation went something like this.
'Hey, what ya got in the back of that truck?'
'Rug.'
'From Georgia?'
'Yep.'
'Is it green and does it have stripes on it?'
'It does, as a matter of fact.'
'When's it going down on the field?'
'Dunno. We just deliver the stuff.'

I looked over Stan's shoulder and the goalpost in the north end zone was standing, waiting for rug to be put down around it. And there was a really big opening in the northwest corner of Foreman Field where they are talking about putting in temporary seats to meet the demand for tickets. Looked like a lot of equipment had been moved from that corner. In fact, when I thought about it, Foreman Field had become overgrown with weeds and little bothersome trees sprouting up wherever they could survive.

Now that football is just around the corner -- did you know today marks 100 days to kickoff? -- the place is really starting to look ... clean."

AstroTurf partners again with NFL Play 60

AstroTurf is proud to once again be the synthetic turf of choice for the National Football League's Play 60 Youth Football Festival. which was again held this past week before the NFL Draft in Central Park.

Kids of all ages had the opportunity to play with current and future NFL stars. The nine draft prospects invited to New York for the draft, including Matthew Stafford from Georgia, Michael Crabtree from Texas Tech and Aaron Curry from Wake Forest, participated in mini flag football games with hundreds of lucky kids.

Over 20,000 square feet of synthetic turf from AstroTurf set up temporarily in the middle of Central Park provided the backdrop for another unforgettable week.

AstroTurf named official turf of the DSRL

Oreo® Double Stuf™ Racing League Proudly Announces AstroTurf® as first official sponsor

Iconic Brands Team Up For One-of-A-Kind Sponsorship

The Oreo Double Stuf Racing League (DSRL), which turned the classic Oreo and milk ritual into a brand-new sport announced today that AstroTurf®, the world‟s first synthetic turf system, is now the first official sponsor of this unique licking league. The DSRL, whose members include quarterback brothers Peyton and Eli Manning and tennis star sisters Venus and Serena Williams, is now able to place itself with other popular sports, such as football, baseball and soccer that also play competitively, or in this case, "lick," on AstroTurf.

AstroTurf was designated as the official turf of the DSRL after deep consideration by "league officials."

"Selecting AstroTurf as the "official turf‟ for the DSRL makes perfect sense because it‟s a high quality product that will make it even more exciting for everyone, from professional athletes to consumer fans, to compete and show off their lick racing skills," said Stephen Chriss, director of consumer and customer engagement for Kraft Foods.

In fact, the first Oreo DSRL competition to take place on a custom-made DSRL/AstroTurf field will be a special lick racing event in West Palm Beach, Fla. on April 24, where two teams of finalists will compete for the title of fastest Oreo "twister, licker and dunker" and a $10,000 grand prize. The Manning brothers and Williams sisters will be on hand to help "train" the finalists for the competition.

"In the more than 40 year history of AstroTurf, the decision to support the Oreo Double Stuf Racing League is a milestone for the company," said Rick Horrow, a sports business expert known as "The Sports Professor," and CEO of Horrow Sports Ventures. "This sponsorship is a one-of-a kind opportunity to align with another iconic brand. Together this relationship showcases the credentials of both AstroTurf and Oreo in making it possible for families and friends to engage in a bit of fun competition."

The AstroTurf sponsorship will include co-branded print advertising, inclusion at trade shows, and a co-branded presence on both the astroturfusa.com and dsrl.com Web sites.

History of the DSRL

The DSRL launched in January 2008 when famous quarterback brothers Peyton Manning and Eli Manning announced they were becoming "two sport" athletes by joining the Oreo Double Stuf Racing League. Since then, the League has continued to gain momentum as Venus and Serena Williams become the second set of siblings to take on lick racing.

Earlier this year, the sisters challenged the Mannings for DSRL supremacy, and raced against each other in a national advertising spot in January, which ultimately ended in a draw.

Twisting, Licking and Dunking Tradition

The DSRL is a fun activity that family and friends can enjoy together. The only real "equipment" needed is an Oreo Double Stuf cookie, a single glass of milk and someone to compete against. To start the race, each person twists their cookie open and licks off all the crème. Then, each person shows his or her cookie to their opponent, dunks it, eats it and drinks the glass of milk. The first to finish wins!

For more information on the Oreo Double Stuf Racing League and to become an official member, visit http://www.dsrl.com/ To get the turf, visit http://www.astroturfusa.com/

Major annoncement today from AstroTurf

Word is there will be a major announcment today from AstroTurf. Stay tuned for further details or visit www.astroturfusa.com

James Laurinaitis credits GameDay Grass with improving 40-yard dash time

He may be an All-American with a mantle full of awards earned during his four years at Ohio State, but linebacker James Laurinaitis still felt the need to impress scouts at Ohio State’s annual pro day on March 13.

Recent mock drafts have had the former Buckeye standout sliding to a late first round - if not second round - selection. While scouts and analysts will continue to debate Laurinaitis’ future until NFL draft in April, the 2007 Butkus Award is satisfied in knowing he did all he could to impress.

"It's been a long process, and I'm glad to be done," Laurinaitis said.

Laurinaitis’ stock dropped because of underwhelming numbers at the NFL combine in February. He ran a 4.82 40-yard dash, the three-cone drill in 6.93 seconds and the 20-yard shuttle in 4.24 seconds. He has slipped in several mock drafts since then. Scout.com recently ranked Laurinaitis the No. 17 overall prospect and No. 2 insider linebacker. Scout draft analyst Chris Steuber had the Minnesota native going to the New York Giants with the 29th overall pick.

A pair of NFL.com analysts have differing opinions of where Laurinaitis will be selected. Charles Davis has San Diego taking Laurinaitis with the 16th pick, while colleague Pat Kirwan has the 2006 Nagurski winner slipping all the way to the No. 27 pick and the Indianapolis Colts. Another analyst, Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com, has Laurinaitis falling to the Tennessee Titans with the 30th pick. Rob Rang and Chad Reuter of NFLdraftscout.com have Laurinaitis falling out of the first round entirely.

Laurinaitis did what he could to improve his stock by posting faster times on pro day. His 40-yard dash time was reportedly between 4.72 and 4.78 seconds, an measurable improvement from his combine speed. He credited a faster surface at the Woody Hayes Center as one reason for his improvement.

"The combine had a soft, slow surface," Laurinaitis said of the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium. "The goal was to make all the times faster today. That was accomplished. I was happy with that."

The Buckeyes practice on a full-size infilled turf system from AstroTurf in the Woody Hayes Center. This years NFL combine was held at Lucas Oil Stadium on FieldTurf.

Lawrence Unified School District installing eight AstroTurf fields

Lawrence Unified School District (USD) selected GameDay Grass 3D by AstroTurf for eight district athletic fields. Installation of the new synthetic turf football, soccer, baseball and softball fields at Lawrence High School and Free State High School, is underway by GeneralSports Venue (GSV), the exclusive U.S. licensee of AstroTurf. In addition to the renovation of the athletic fields, GSV will install its XPLODE polyurethane competition track system and new tennis courts at Lawrence High School this summer.

Installation of turf for the football fields is completed, and work on the baseball fields is underway.

“There were a number of factors that proved GameDay Grass 3D was the best product for Lawrence USD,” said Tom Bracciano, division director of operations and facility planning. “The proprietary Root Zone aiding with traction, Sustain all rubber infill eliminating sand that hardens over time and scientific data on player performance and safety made it clear GameDay Grass 3D from AstroTurf was the best choice for our high schools and community.”

“We take great pride in having the opportunity to work with Lawrence Public Schools to provide innovative, durable and safe playing surfaces for the athletes and community groups to use,” said Mark West, GSV Director of Sales – Central Region. “Lawrence made it clear they wanted nothing but the best for all the new sports venues and we are proud they selected the GameDay Grass 3D system by AstroTurf.”

GSV is the approved synthetic turf and athletic supplier of the U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance, a nonprofit organization that helps government agencies, school districts (K-12), higher education, and other nonprofits reduce the cost of purchased goods by pooling the purchasing power of public agencies nationwide. As a registered participant of U.S. Communities, Lawrence USD benefited from the variety and quality of products and services offered by GSV.

Work on the new football fields at each high school has wrapped up and installation of the turf for the baseball fields is in progress. All remaining elements of the project including the construction and installation of the track system and tennis courts will be completed this summer.

AstroTurf changes with the times

Raleigh firm predicts a 25 percent rise in sales this year despite recession

By David Ranii - Staff Writer

Not even the eruption of a public relations nightmare last year could derail the sales growth of GeneralSports Venue, the Raleigh company behind AstroTurf synthetic grass.

So it's no wonder that, despite the recession, CEO Jon Pritchett projects sales will rise 25 percent to $50 million this year.

It helps that GSV is in an industry that enjoyed 20 percent sales growth last year. That's due in part to improvements in the quality of artificial turf and prices that make it feasible for public schools and municipal parks to convert from natural to artificial grass. And many of the fields GSV is installing today were funded before the recession grabbed the economy by the throat.

In addition, the new federal stimulus package could help schools continue to invest in synthetic fields this year.

"I think the industry thinks this will be a difficult year, but it will still be a strong growth year," said Rick Doyle, president of the Synthetic Turf Council, an industry trade group.

Pritchett, meanwhile, expects GSV to continue to outpace the industry through innovation and the introduction of new products – plus the company's anything-but-secret weapon.

"The AstroTurf brand gets us into a lot of doors," he said. "It gets people's attention."

The company also sells other products, such as antimicrobial coating for facilities such as locker rooms, and offers site preparation and construction management services for stadiums and other support venues.

GSV acquired the exclusive North American rights to the AstroTurf brand in 2006. Last fall, the company found itself on the defensive when New Jersey health officials announced the discovery of unsafe lead levels in three old AstroTurf fields. It triggered a media firestorm.

Those fields were installed before GSV licensed the brand, but so what?

"We weren't liable, but the brand was being attacked," Pritchett said.

So the company, which believed the products were safe but lacked the data to prove it, counter-attacked by hiring a team of scientists to study the issue. The results were released at a press conference in New York: The scientists concluded a child would have to eat 23 pounds of AstroTurf to be at risk.

That helped defuse the issue, which fizzled more in July when the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that it had concluded that synthetic fields were safe for young children.

"It was quite a PR nightmare for 60 to 90 days," Pritchett said. "Our salespeople had to be educated on how to answer the issue. In every meeting, it was a topic."

But the strategy worked.

"We don't know of any projects that were canceled because of it," Pritchett said."

Last year, GSV's sales hit $40 million, more than one-third better than in 2007. Today the company has 43 employees, including 19 at its headquarters off of Capital Boulevard in North Raleigh.

AstroTurf is manufactured for GSV by Textile Management Associates. The Georgia company acquired the product when the previous owner, Southwest Recreational Industries of Texas, went bankrupt in 2004.

The typical cost of an AstroTurf field is about $325,000 to buy and install, plus $325,000 for engineering, which GeneralSports also offers. That's much more upfront than an all-natural field, but it makes maintenance easier and cheaper. Another synthetic advantage: Teams can practice daily without ruining the surface.

Universities that have purchased AstroTurf in the last year or so include Penn State, Cornell, Dartmouth, James Madison and Michigan State. Local customers include UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke, which installed field hockey surfaces, and Campbell University's football stadium.

GSV was formed in 2003 when a group of investors purchased a small turf installation business in Michigan. That group subsequently convinced Textile Management that it had the sales expertise to resuscitate the brand.

It then "re-launched" AstroTurf in 2006 with retired NFL quarterback Archie Manning -- the father of Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning -- acting as its celebrity spokesman.

Since then, Pritchett said, the privately held company has separated itself from the pack to become the clear No. 2 in the industry behind the much larger FieldTurf.

"GSV has been a leader in the industry," Doyle said. "They have been an important innovator."

Among GSV's recent accomplishments:

A Michigan State University study presented at a conference last summer concluded that one variety of AstroTurf, GameDay Grass 3D, came closest to natural grass by one key safety measure. "It looks like [natural grass], it feels like it, it plays like it," said Pritchett.

Last May, a nonprofit that helps more than 30,000 government agencies, school districts and others pool their purchasing power named GSV its exclusive provider for artificial turf and other athletic surfaces. Pritchett estimated the contract accounted for 15 percent of AstroTurf sales last year and projects it will account for 20 percent or more this year.

GSV and athletic shoe maker Reebok announced in December a joint research and development project studying how footwear interacts with artificial turf. "It's basically to improve performance and safety," Pritchett said.

Last year the company cut a deal with a corporate partner that enabled it to sell its own brand of synthetic track surfaces, Xplode. It also became exclusive U.S. distributor for a maker of synthetic tennis and volleyball courts, and this year it will begin selling an automated tarp cover for natural grass fields.

Those deals are part of a diversification strategy that is anchored in the AstroTurf brand and the relationships GSV has forged with its customers.

"We want to be the one offering the newest, the best, the latest technology," Pritchett said.

GENERALSPORTS VENUE

HEADQUARTERS: Raleigh

CEO: Jon Pritchett

2008 REVENUE: $40 million

EMPLOYEES: 43, including 19 in Raleigh

YEAR FOUNDED: 2003

BUSINESS: Sells and installs AstroTurf brand artificial turf. Sells synthetic track and tennis court surfaces and antimicrobial coating for facilities such as locker rooms. Offers site preparation and construction management services for stadiums and other support venues.

Link to News & Observer

GSV Project in Lawrence "getting in shape"

The Free State High School Firebird is in place on the school’s newly turfed football field, and work on other athletic venues continues to progress in the Lawrence school district.

“It’s been an extremely aggressive schedule,” said Tom Bracciano, the division director of operations and facility planning for the district.

Free State and Lawrence high schools are both getting artificial turf soccer, football, softball and baseball fields. Lawrence High School will also get more parking and new tennis courts. If everything — including lights, bleachers and the parking — is done by the Aug. 15 deadline, the project will have been done in less than a year.

At Free State, existing fields are being renovated with the new turf, while much of the work at LHS involves building new facilities. Free State’s soccer team can use the school’s football field until its own pitch is completed.

“I think we’re in excellent shape,” said Bracciano. “It’s going to be a real tough push to get the baseball field here at Free State done by March 1. Football fields at both schools are right on target and soccer, the tennis courts, everything else is pretty well on track.”

The potential budget cuts from the state do not affect the capital outlay fund, which is paying for the new athletic fields.

“It’s also hard to explain to people that you could have capital projects going on ... in the case now, where we’re putting turf on some fields, that they are unaffected by these cuts because it’s two pools of money,” said Superintendent Randy Weseman. “There are actually two kinds of money in our business — the capital money and the general fund money.”

Bracciano says the project is fiscally responsible because ultimately the fields will save general fund money that would normally go to maintenance and utilities that were spent on grass fields.

“We’re hoping to relieve the pressure on the general fund, so really, for us, it works out real well to have these projects come along at this time,” he said. “These are being paid for with capital outlay dollars, which we can’t use for salaries or operational costs.”

Bracciano also notes the environmentally friendly aspect of going to turf.

“It’s (the turf) got the soy-based backing on it,” he said. “The biggest thing in my mind, too, is no pesticides, herbicides, fertilizer.”

A package for lights should be presented to the board at its next meeting, Feb. 23. Bracciano says the district is also bidding out the bleachers for the fields.

At Free State, work is being done on leveling the baseball field and putting drainage in the soccer field. The softball field will not be touched until the season in over in May.

Lawrence High is getting ready to get turf on its football field and to relevel the softball field. Most of the underground retention for stormwater drainage is in place under the tennis courts at the Lawrence Virtual School site.

“We’ve had some excellent people to work with and it’s just come out beautiful,” said Bracciano.

Video

President Barack Obama takes the Oath of Office on AstroTurf 12

Shortly after noon, in front of millions of onlookers, on the steps of the Capital Building in Washington, D.C., Barack Hussein Obama took the oath of office and officially became the 44th president and the first African-American to be elected.

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. administered the oath as Obama's wife, Michelle, and daughters, Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, looked on.

Construction for the stage at the Capital began on September 24, 2008. The wooden platform can accommodate 1,600 people and was designed by the Architect of the Capital's Office.

The podium where President Obama took the Oath of Office and delivered his inaugural address was surrounded by blue, AstroTurf 12®, the latest generation of the all nylon turf that started the synthetic turf industry over 40 years ago.

GameDay Grass 3D goes down at Lawrence Free State

Crews at Free State High School took the first steps in revamping athletic facilities Tuesday as they started laying turf on the previously grassy football field.

This is the beginning of a project at Free State and Lawrence High School that will cost about $12 million to complete.
"It's been a while coming," said Tom Bracciano, the school district’s operations and facility planning director.

Lawrence High School is undergoing the same process, but Bracciano said that work is about a week behind.

"We hope to be finished with the football field by Jan. 20, then they'll move up to the baseball field,” he said.

The Free State field alone is costing near $890,000 to install. Bracciano said he'd originally hoped the field would be finished by Jan. 1, but the recent cold weather and snow had postponed the project.

"The ground's been frozen, and it's not really appropriate to put the turf down, so we got a little delayed by that, but they're still really making really good progress," Bracciano said.
After the football field, focus will shift to the baseball fields, then the soccer fields, followed by the softball field and tennis courts at Lawrence High School.

"Our goal is to have seven fields done by mid-April," Bracciano said.

Ole Miss Rebels surge past Texas Tech in Cotton Bowl

Ole Miss isn't just the team that handed Florida its only loss. These Rebels are seriously on the rise.

Behind Jevan Snead's passing, Dexter McCluster's squirming runs and some big returns by Marshay Green, No. 20 Ole Miss overcame an early deficit and beat No. 7 Texas Tech 47-34 Friday in the final Cotton Bowl played in the stadium of the same name.

The Red Raiders (11-2) converted a pair of early turnovers into a 14-0 lead, but Snead led the Rebels to touchdowns on their next three drives, followed by a go-ahead field goal shortly before halftime. Once Green returned an interception 65 yards for a touchdown early in the third quarter, Ole Miss (9-4) was well on its way to capping coach Houston Nutt's first season in grand style.

This was Ole Miss' sixth straight win, matching its longest streak since 2003, when Eli Manning was a senior. That also was the last time the Rebels had been to a bowl.
This roll began when Ole Miss was only 3-4 and coming off consecutive losses following its stunning upset at the Swamp.

Although Texas Tech pulled off huge comebacks in its last two bowls, McCluster ended any such thoughts by barreling into the end zone with 4:34 left. When Rebels fans finished clapping, they began chanting ``S-E-C! S-E-C!'' They did so again with 1:37 left after Ole Miss snuffed out a 2-point conversion attempt, then again following a recovered onside kick.

A little louder and the chants might've been heard at the Big 12 offices about 12 miles away. Still, the message that the fourth-best team in the SEC, according to the polls, is better than the third-best team in the Big 12 will certainly be noted as schools from these leagues - No. 1 Florida and No. 2 Oklahoma - meet next week in the national championship game.

The Red Raiders had a direct path to playing in that game until getting crushed by the Sooners in late November. At the time, they were unbeaten and ranked second, the highest mark in school history.

Getting drubbed in two of the last three games takes some shine off Tech's season, and kept senior quarterback Graham Harrell from going out with the school's record-setting 12th win.
Harrell's consolation was several statistical feats: most career touchdowns in major college football (four in this game made it 134 for his career, breaking the record of 131 set by Hawaii's Colt Brennan) and first player with two 5,000-yard passing seasons. Harrell was 36-of-58 for a Cotton Bowl-record 364 yards, giving him 5,111 yards this season. Only five other quarterbacks have cracked 5,000, including Brennan and two others from Texas Tech.

This was the 73rd Cotton Bowl and the last in its namesake home. The game is moving next year to the $1.1 billion stadium being built by the Dallas Cowboys. The bowl founder's widow handled the pregame coin toss and the dates 1937 and 2009 were painted on the field between the words, ``Celebrating 73 years.''