Jan. 22, 2007

CORAL GABLES, Fla. - The Greentree Practice Fields have been selected College Football Field of the Year by SportsTurf Managers Association. Chris Denson, the athletic fields manager for UNICCO, represented the University of Miami when the award was presented at the 18th annual STMA Conference and Exhibition in San Antonio, Texas on Friday, January 19.

The Field of the Year Award program began in 1992. Fields are judged on the playability and appearance of the playing surfaces, innovative solutions employed, effective use of budget, and the development and implementation of a comprehensive sound agronomic program.

"I'm ecstatic. This means a lot," said Denson. "This is something I have worked for in the three years I have been at UM. It took a lot of hard work, dedication and labor. But I also have to say I had a lot of support from the coaching staff, the players and the athletic department staff. Everybody has a lot of pride in our fields."

The Greentree Practice Fields were voted the best in the collegiate ranks. The San Francisco 49ers' practice fields were named the best in the NFL, and Raider Stadium at Atlee High School in Mechanicsville, Va. was selected the best high school field.