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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 States 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 Michigans head groundskeeper from 1999 to 2003.She has learned from Michigan legend Lloyd Carr and current Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio, who praised Foutys on-field abilities.Amy and her staff do a tremendous job with the turf, Dantonio said. This is like her baby, so theres never a question in my mind that shes 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 dont worry about it because shes a perfectionist and that gives me a great peace of mind. Ive been that way since Ive been here.The following is Foutys story, in her words:Growing up in a sports-centered familyBefore 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 turfAfter 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 didnt 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 its 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 leadFormer Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr taught me about football from a coachs perspective. I would watch game film with the coaches and the team to gain a better understanding of the teams playing style and how each player movement was affected by or affecting the playing surface.Over the years, I have continued to ask Michigan States 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 Carrs and Coach Dantonios 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 rivalryI 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 StadiumOne 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 weve hosted other special events and concerts that include top bands like U2.Measure twice, cut onceFootball 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 weeks agenda for the impending game. This entire process takes about an hour or two.Our biggest rival: The weatherThe 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 Ive 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.#TurfTipHaving 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 loveI dont prepare for a game based on the other team. My focus is getting the field as perfect as possible for our teams 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 Ive 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. Cheap Titans Jerseys . Still, Brewers manager Ron Roenicke thought taking him out before the fifth inning was an unusual move. "Im looking up at the board and hes got two hits given up and one run, and Im taking him out after the fourth inning," Roenicke said. Cheap Titans Jerseys China . With the first unit struggling of late and Amir Johnson - one of the teams iron men - hobbling on an injured right ankle, Patterson knew he could get the nod in a challenging matchup against one of the leagues up and coming players at his position. http://www.cheaptitansjerseyselite.com/ .C. -- Kemba Walker and the Charlotte Bobcats got off to a fast start, and the Sacramento Kings were never quite able to catch up. Cheap Titans Jerseys Authentic . Gerald Green and Miles Plumlee? Green had bounced around the NBA when he wasnt playing overseas. The Pacers gave up on Plumlee after just one season. Now Green and Plumlee are key cogs in the Suns surprising breakout season. Wholesale Titans Jerseys . The Browns coaching search remains incomplete. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Jalen Coleman-Lands and Maverick Morgan scored 18 points apiece to lead six players in double figures and Illinois beat Division II McKendree 112-65 on Tuesday night.The game was a strong response from Coleman-Lands, who struggled in the first two games of the season.It feels good (to get my shot going), especially with the last two games, Coleman-Lands said. My teammates just do a good job of trusting me. Its just about repetition and getting ready for the next game.Michael Finke had 17 points, on 8-of-10 shooting, and eight rebounds and Tracy Abrams was 5-of-5 from the field with four 3-pointers and finished with 14 points and six assists. Aaron Jordan scored 11, including three 3s, and Mike Thorne Jr. had 10 points and 10 rebounds.Illinois (3-0) opened the game with a 7-0 run, including five points by Finke, and never trailed.Coleman-Lands hit 3-pointers on three-consecutive possessions to make it 21-10 with 12:28 left in the first half and the Illini led by double figures the rest of the way.The Illinois bench outscored McKendrees reserves 59-23 and shot 56 percent from the field, including 16 of 28 (57 percent) from 3-point range.Illinois head coach John Groce was proud of his teams performance given his teams sloppy play in the first two games.They responded today, Groce said. We have a long way to go, but they played hard today for a lot longer and I liked the attitudes and vibes on our team. That was a good step in the right direction.Nate Michael, son of former Illinois basketball player Tom Michael, led the McKendree (1-0) with 255 points.dddddddddddd The game served as an exhibition for Bearcats.Tuesday was a moment that Michael said hell never forget.It was a dream come true, Michael said. Growing up just down the road here, having season tickets when my dad worked here . I just wish we played a little bit better here. We definitely enjoyed ourselves, and this will help us in the future.BIG PICTUREIllinois: The Illini played the way they should against a Division-II team. Illinois will play two more relatively easy games before facing No. 19 West Virginia in the NIT Season Tip-Off on Nov. 24.McKendree: The Bearcats had a good idea of how the game was going to go before the ball was even tipped. Theyll return to regular competition Saturday.STAR WATCHAfter scoring a career-high 40 points against Northern Kentucky on Sunday, Malcolm Hill was limited to three points.FRESHMAN STANDOUTTeJon Lucas got some early playing time after starter Tracy Abrams got into foul trouble. The freshman guard took advantage of the opportunity, finishing with nine points and six assists.HIGHLIGHT REELColeman-Lands took a break from draining shots in the second half when he assisted Maverick Morgan on a behind-the-head pass.UP NEXTIllinois hosts Detroit on Friday night as part of the NIT Season Tip-Off tournament.McKendree returns to regular-season games Saturday when the Bearcats host Crowleys Ridge on Saturday night.---More AP college basketball: http://collegebasketball.ap.org ' ' '