OTF honors, awards at banquet

The Ohio Turfgrass Foundation conducted its annual Awards Banquet on Dec. 7, 2005. A check for $162,128 was presented to the Ohio State University representing $137,128 in turfgrass research grants and $25,000 for scholarships to students pursuing careers in turfgrass management.
OTF presented scholarships to 11 turfgrass students from around Ohio, including the annual Don Sweda and George Biddulph Memorial Scholarships. An additional $10,000 was awarded to four students who received the R.D. Baker Memorial Scholarships, presented by the Ohio Turfgrass Research Trust – the non-profit, charitable fund-raising arm of OTF.

The OTF annual awards presentation highlighted the banquet. The 2005 “Professional of the Year” award was presented to long-time OTF member Al Muhle. Muhle, now retired, began his career in the industry in 1954 at Mayfield Country Club in Cleveland.

Ron Coyle, superintendent at Northwood Hills Country Club, was acknowledged for his 43 years of dedication to the industry when he was presented with a 2005 OTF “Professional Excellence” Award. Coyle began his career at Troy Country Club in 1963 where he eventually became superintendent. In 2003 he received the Miami Valley GCSA “Man of the Year” award.

The 40th Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show will be Dec. 5 through 7 in Columbus. For more information about the Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show, the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation, or OTF’s annual awards and scholarships, contact OTF at 888-683-3445 or visit www.OhioTurfgrass.org.