Toma Award

2011 George Toma Award

Louisville Bats Baseball Club Head Groundskeeper Tom Nielsen, Lousiville, Ky., received the George Toma Golden Rake Award for his mentorship of many in the industry, but in particular student interns through an outstanding internship program.   Several of his interns have gone on to notable careers of their own.   However, his “teaching heart” doesn’t stop with his staff and interns.  He works tirelessly to convey the importance of sound maintenance practices to the administration, players, and fans in Louisville.  The Toma award recognizes a member for a dedicated and enthusiastic attitude to achieve their highest goals. The award acknowledges a strong spirit of commitment to the industry.  Nielsen (left) receives his award at the 2012 STMA Awards Banquet from previous winner Mel Lanford.

Previous George Toma "Golden Rake" Award Recipients 

2011 - Tom Nielsen, Louisville Bats Baseball Club, Louisville, KY

2010 - Mel Lanford, Retired from University of Texas, Austin, TX

2009 - Craig Potts, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 

2008 - David Reiss, Wasatch County School District, Heber City, UT 

2007 - Tony Diaz, Waukegan Park District (IL) 

2006 - Todd Jeansonne, Louisiana State University and Jeff Kershaw, West Baton Rouge Parrish School 

2005 - Jim Wiggins, Tomball ISD, Tomball (TX) 

2004 - Kevin Meredith, National Soccer Hall of Fame (NY) 

2003 - James Crawford, McFarland Schools (WI) 

2002 - Jesse Cuevas, Rosenblatt Stadium (NE) 

2001 - Terry Nance, Cape Fear High School (NC) 

2000 - Connie Rudolph, CSFM, Midway Stadium (MN) 

1999 - Boyd (Rob) Montgomery, Sylvania Recreation (OH) 

1998 - Don Kelly, City of Rocky River (OH) 

1997 - Timothy Burke, Town of Bethel (CT) 

* Facility listed is where employed at time of award. Check Roster for current listing