Kelly Cooper Growing up in a family where working in the yard on the weekends
and playing sports was the norm, it is not surprising that Kelly
Cooper is a sports turf manager at the University of Redlands.
While playing football and baseball at the University of Redlands
Kelly was introduced to the sports turf world as a student worker.
Kelly watched, learned and listened and remembers his excitement
about mowing and being able to drive the tractor.
After graduating with his Bachelor of Arts in 1995, Kelly worked for the United States Forest Service fighting wild land forest fires for three years on an Engine Crew and Hostshot Crew. In those three years, Kelly faced hard work, long days, long nights and he learned the value of teamwork. All traits that are needed in the sports turf industry. In 1998 Kelly returned to the University of Redlands to obtain a Master of Arts degree in Educational Counseling and also joined the University of Redlands Athletic Department as a crewmember. After Kelly completed his Master of Arts Degree he was offered his current position as Athletic Facilities Supervisor. Kelly was given the reins of the athletic facilities and has not looked back. Inheriting facilities with little or no maintenance plans, old equipment and one employee was a challenge. Today they have new equipment three fulltime employees and nine student workers. Kelly looks back and credits former Athletic Director Carl Clapp for his vision of what could be and credits current Athletic Director Jeff Martinez for trusting him while supporting and continuing to make Bulldog Athletics the best it can be. Kelly notes having a sports turf crew within the Athletic Department is huge. Being able to produce high quality facilities for our athletes, coaches and fans is what this job is all about. Having a plan and watching it all come together on game day is awesome, while at the same time nerve racking, making sure everything is just right.
Kelly and his crew have full responsibility for six athletic facilities and the surrounding landscape. Ted Runner Stadium (Football), Ashel Cunningham Track, They Yard (Baseball), The Field of Dreams (Softball), Farquhar Field (Soccer and Lacrosse) and the football practice field. Kelly reports that all six fields have their own personalities and challenges. Having a good solid maintenance plan, which includes proper watering, mowing, verti cutting, aerating and fertilizing, knowledge of local weather, networking and sticking with the plan are all crucial for success.
Being a successful sports turn manager is a 365 day a year job, but Kelly also knows it is but the only thing in life. Kelly and his wife, Denise, have two children, Cole who is five-years-old and Lilly, two-years-old. Cole and Lilly can frequently be seen “helping” their dad on the fields and they already have the passion for sports and the fields they are played on.
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