This story was written in October 1999 while I was still an undergraduate at Penn State. It appeared in The Forum, a now defunct online newspaper that was published weekly by College of Communications students.

The inspiration for the story came from my father, who was quite taken aback by the quality of the grass at Penn State. I then reminded him that “this is just the parking area, Dad.”

Quarterbacks are often referred to as the field general, but that description may be more appropriate for Bob Hudzik, who is responsible for the grounds crew that takes care of what may be the most beloved lawn in Pennsylvania, the field at Beaver Stadium.

Hudzik, the stadium and athletic fields supervisor, has an associate degree in Turfgrass Management (’76) and oversees not just the Beaver Stadium field, but also all varsity fields and intramural fields, the Sarni Tennis Center, and stadium parking lots. Leading a staff of six full-time employees as well as additional part-timers, some students in the turfgrass program, Hudzik and his crew nuture a Penn State landmark that is probably seen by more Americans than any other.Stadium and Athletic Fields Supervisor, Bob Hudzik at Beaver Stadium. Photo by William F. Yurasko

The current field was installed by highway workers when Beaver Stadium was built in 1960. Although undetectable on the surface, the drainage system tiles underneath the surface were installed sideways, creating significant drainage problems. Following what Hudzik called the “’93 disaster,” when downpours ravaged the field, increased measures were taken in the off seasons to compensate for drainage problems.

In the summers of 1994 and 1995, a process that involved drilling approximately 100,000 holes into the playing surface was initiated to compensate for drainage problems. This allows water to drain down to the gravel base beneath the surface more efficiently. This past summer, the process was repeated with 55,000 more holes drilled. Next summer, the procedure is scheduled to be repeated.

Fortunately for the grounds crew, there have not been many downpours at game time during the past few seasons. Hudzik admits that, “we’ve been blessed” with the weather recently, at least on game days, though this past summer’s weather did change the procedure for field maintenance. Due to the drought, watering of playing fields and golf courses was restricted statewide.

Hudzik explained that in order to keep the field in playable condition, “reclaimed water,” or waste water that has been treated at a plant, was used during the drought. Reduced watering could lead to increased injuries, since a dryer ground is harder and absorbs less shock. Players hitting a dryer surface would absorb more shock with their bodies and be more likely to get injured. Practice fields received water that had been filtered by sand and ultraviolet rays after originating from the nuclear reactor on campus. Hudzik assured that safety was not compromised and that the field would not be glowing at night, making reference to some of the jokes made about the process used throughout the summer.

Cut at 15/16 inch tall, Beaver Stadium’s field has some of the shortest grass in the Big Ten. This results in a surface better for running on; it does not slow down players as much as many grass fields. The field is highly regarded both by the Nittany Lions and visiting teams, despite not having a modern system that is found in newer stadiums such as Camden Yards.

Mowing the field three times a week, seeding throughout, and line painting keep the field looking good and performing well on Saturday afternoons. On Thursdays or Fridays, provided there is no rain, the field is painted, from end zone to end zone. It takes six workers about six hours to add the 80 gallons of stadium marker paint to the field. If rain is scheduled for that part of the week, the field will be painted earlier and tarps will be put down to keep the field dry for game time.

Hudzik also helps determine, along with the coaching staff, whether the Blue Band will be able to perform without compacting the field more than it can tolerate, should inclement weather arise. Wear and tear is also increased with the coming of the Big Ten season, as some of the conference’s teams, like Ohio State and Michigan are significantly heavier than some non-conference foes such as Akron.

This year, the addition of the Pigskin Classic, which extended the home season to seven games, had Hudzik concerned that three games in consecutive weeks would take their toll on the field, but he said that there were no ill effects. The biggest change about the Pigskin Classic was earlier preparation for the coming season.

After this year the grounds crew will also have to make adjustments as the new addition to Beaver Stadium will create some inconveniences during construction. Presently, there is no field replacement included in the expansion project.

Overall, Hudzik, who also mows the lawn at his home, feels that the praise given to Beaver Stadium is a reflection of his staff. “The crew I have does an excellent job, they deserve the credit.”