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Written by Steve Spears
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Presidential Tenure History
The NGLGCSA was formed in 1981. Charter Members included John Beck, Rich Victorson, Tom Heid, John Netwal and Matt Wisniewski. According to NGLGCSA records, the Annual Grounds Crew Invitational Tournament dates back to 1975, when the Pine Grove Country Club became the first champion of the much heralded and well attended annual event.
John Beck served as the first President from 1981 through 1983. At this time, the charter members reached out to fellow Superintendents with the intent of gaining local interest.
Tom Heid served as President in 1984 and 1985. During this period, an emphasis on education began. The monthly meetings contained many worthwhile educational opportunities. At the end of this period membership entailed approximately 20 members.
Keith Kaiser was NGLGCSA President in 1986 and 1987. Improvement of educational programs became an emphasis during this period. Many of the meetings at this time incorporated respected Turfgrass Educators and well-known speakers from major Universities. Membership ranks increased to over 30 members.
John Netwal served as President during years 1988 through 1990. This period ushered in the first organized NGLGCSA Turf Symposium which was held in 1989.Proceeds totaling $900 were generated and donated to turfgrass research. Membership grew to 42 members, and NGLGCSA obtained incorporated status.
Dean Musbach served as President from 1991 through 1993. Dean elevated the credibility of the NGLGCSA through on-going commitment to providing affordable, quality educational opportunities with top industry speakers. Turfgrass research contributions to the Wisconsin Turfgrass Association, the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation, the GCSAA Robert Trent Jones Endowment Fund, the USGA Greens Section and the NGLGCSA Research Fund were noteworthy. As the membership of the organization grew to 87 members, membership directories were printed and newsletter initiated. A salary survey was also reported in 1993, with Superintendents reporting an average salary of $33,393. The maximum salary was reported at $49,500. The minimum was $21,000. Officers and Directors during this period included Dan Barrett, Ken Smith, Greg Kallenberg, Tod Cantrall, Kris Pinkerton and Brian Hamacher.
Dan Barrett served as President in 1994 and 1995. Dan's tenure championed a member volunteer research initiative at Gateway Golf Club, exploring opportunities for future on-site UW turf research, through the construction of a "push-up" putting green. The annual Turf Symposium was being held in Rhinelander, Wisconsin during this period, as the organization membership held steady at approximately 90 members strong.
Ken Smith held the Presidency in years 1996 and 1997. Ken spearheaded a joint partnership with UW-Madison for snowmold research conducted at Gateway Golf Club and other northern Wisconsin courses. This era also punctuated with the NGLGCSA becoming officially affiliated with the GCSAA in May of 1997. The NGLGCSA hosted their first GCSAA Educational Seminar. Officers and Directors during this period included Scott Thompson, Steve Schmidt, Dave Beauvilla, John Beck, Mike Jaeger, Glen Rochester and Pete Straton.
Jeff Ruesch assumed the Role of President in 1998. The major focus of his term was spent educating the membership of the benefits of GCSAA affiliation, and developing conforming association by-law requirements. This required much work and devotion, along with a substantial change in how the association went about its business. Membership ranks steadied at around 85 members.
Mike Jaeger served as President in 1999 and 2000. Mike is noted for his diligence in working with membership through the struggles of GCSAA affiliation and the required Professional Development Initiative A membership survey was initiated. The first of two surveys was a salary and benefits report distributed at the Spring 1999 Symposium. The next survey solicited membership opinion regarding GCSAA affiliation. Beth Stran replaced Mary Raith as the NGLGCSA Executive Secretary and began streamlining the requirements of the position. The association averaged around 90 members.
Ken Velpel was elected President in 2001 and held the position into 2003 until adverse health forced him to step down. Ken’s main leadership objective was to help better organize the administration of the NGLGCSA. As membership numbers increased to 104, Ken standardized treasury and business aspects of the NGL and provided a business template streamlining operations of the group. Other notable achievements were the support of the GCSAA’s 75th Anniversary and Dual Membership Drive, an increase of research funding, an annual educational scholarship award program, and the formation of a member relief contingency fund for emergency medical expense assistance
Steve Spears was elected President, 2004 through 2005. Steve continued the positive forward organizational progress by working diligently to improve the NGLGCSA / GCSAA relationship through more informal, relaxed interactions and communications. The goal was to maintain membership numbers, restore fun, and strengthen the NGL by re-examining its original intended purpose. Steve expressed these initiatives through a Superintendent/Member fundraiser at Golden Sands G.C. in Cecil, WI, assisting the Velpel family to attend the GCSAA Conference & Show on behalf of GCSAA Benevolence Fund, continuation of the NGL Scholarship and Member Relief Funds, continued funding of UW based turf research, and a renewed Affiliation Agreement with GCSAA through 2008.
Jay Pritzl served one transitional year as President in 2006. Jay continued the fine tradition of NGL benevolence by piloting the new relationship with the Wee One Foundation, helping to assist golf course professionals, or their families, who incur overwhelming expenses due to medical hardship. Jay also re-ignited a partnership with Michigan State University through renewed research grant funding.
Glen Rochester is the current President of The NGL, taking the helm in January of 2007. Glen's immediate initiative is the development and refinement of the NGL web site. The goal is to more easily connect with membership providing more prompt and pertinent on-going information, and to allow more administrative operational efficiencies.
Officers and B.O.D. members responsible for NGLGCSA progress during the decade from 1999-2008 included: Mike Jaeger, Joe Andersen, Dan Nagy, Todd Renk, Scott Thompson, Joe Deschler, Ken Velpel, Steve Spears, Tod Cantrall, Ed Hoover, Willie Warner, Eric Eggman, Bob Brooker, Perry Michiel, Linc Lautenbach, Jay Pritzl, Randy Swonger, Glen Rochester, Charlie Gentz, Bill Kehoss, Kurt Stromquist, Bob Reese and Ken Smith. |
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