Kwantlen Turfgrass Campus News

From Stan Kazymerchyk, Turf Management Program Instructor

Another successful school year concluded mid-April for Kwantlen Turf students. WCTA Conference in Penticton featured our Turf Club hosting a lively opening Pub Night, many hours of conference volunteer work, starry performances at the Hockey Challenge, and a $2,000 donation to Turfgrass Research. Tab Buckner and Peter Sorokovsky represented our associations at Kwantlen’s ‘Horticulture Awards’ night in April. Glen Atamanik won WCTA and Jeff Norris awards, while Grant Steinberg took CGSA and  BCGSA honours. Krista Hewlet, Janine MacDonald and Tom Peterson won KPU Fisher awards.

Kwantlen’s team of Turfie Jason Thompson and Apprentice grad Kevin O’Connor are B.C. champs at the April “Skills Canada Landscape” competition. They compete at the national finals June 5-8 at BC Place.

“BC Skills” L-R:  Kevin O’Connor, Jason Thompson

All first year students are back to their summer jobs. Glen Atamanik is Irrigation Technician at Wildflower GC on Stuart Island. Sam Smith is Intern Assistant at Kamloops CC. Brendan Rutley is Assistant at Sandpiper GC.  Steve Broccolo is Spray Tech/Foreman at Northview. Landen Hucalak is Intern at Quilchena CC. Trevor Mansinho is at Eaglequest Coquitlam, Hayden O’Neal at Richmond CC, Andy Messner at Vancouver GC and Jeff Green at Riverway GC.  On the Parks side, Nick Petersen is at New Westminster, Tom Peterson at Langley Township and Janine MacDonald at Coquitlam. Jason Thompson, John Galbraith, Brett Robinson and Chris Laroque are all at Belmont GC, where Supe Mitchell Guest is appreciating their enthusiastic contributions.

“BelmontCrew” L-R:  Jason Thompson, John Galbraith, Supe Mitchell Guest, Chris Laroque, Brett Robinson

Our 2013 Grads are off to new successes. Grant Steinberg is West Lower Mainland-Fraser Valley sales Rep for Oakcreek Golf and Turf. Nick deRoos is Technician at Kananaskis GC. Sean Wilkinson is Spray Tech at Gallaghers Canyon. Kelsey Stewart is Spray Tech at Northview. Mike Ryan is Second Assistant at Olympic View. Matt Wilson is Operator II at New Westminster Parks. Mike Coleman is Ball field Technician at Abbotsford Parks.  Glenn Ross is Parks, Trails and Facilities Operator with Regional District of Central Okanagan.

Thanks to Grad Grant Steinberg for his efforts as outgoing Turf Club President. Glen Atamanik and Sam Smith will be taking over as Co-Presidents for the coming year. Turf Club event proceeds fund student attendance at the WCTA Conference and Turfgrass Research. Their first event is ‘Pagoda Ridge Golf Tournament’ Sunday Sept 8 so mark your calendars!

“Donation”  L-R:  Brendan Rutley, Peter Sorokovsky

Special thanks go out to all turf industry who have supported us with event prize donations, event attendance, summer mentorship, tee sponsorship and field trip hosting.  Most important is the personal success advice you share with them. These students will always remember you as they move up in their careers.