Students from Pennsylvania State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences continued to make a name for themselves at the 2026 Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) Conference and Trade Show, held in Orlando, Florida, demonstrating not only exceptional turfgrass knowledge but also leadership potential in the turf industry. The GCSAA Conference, one of the most influential gatherings of turf professionals in the world, brought together students, educators, researchers, and industry leaders for education, competition, and networking.

At the Collegiate Turf Bowl, a high-pressure competition testing comprehensive turfgrass management knowledge, Penn State turfgrass science students once again rose to the top. The Penn State team comprised Wilson Kreitz, Joseph Lofland, Carter Marshall, and Jacob Straw, who delivered a commanding performance across written case studies, visual identification, multiple-choice questions, and short-answer segments. Their mastery of topics ranging from soil science and irrigation to pathology and entomology earned them first place, continuing a remarkable legacy for the university—this marked the team’s seventh Turf Bowl championship since 2015.

The Turf Bowl victory underscores both the depth and breadth of Penn State’s turfgrass science curriculum, which blends rigorous academic training with hands-on experiential learning. Ben McGraw, associate professor of turfgrass science and the team’s academic adviser, praised the students not only for their results but for the dedication, teamwork, and preparation they demonstrated. “They put in countless hours preparing, studying, and supporting one another,” McGraw said, noting that these skills extend far beyond competition and directly translate into professional turf management careers.

In addition to team success, individual Penn State students also garnered accolades at the GCSAA Conference. Most notably, Zachary Newsome, a graduate student in the College of Agricultural Sciences, was named a 2025 Dr. James Watson Fellow by the GCSAA Foundation, one of the association’s most prestigious honors for emerging turfgrass researchers. Newsome’s fellowship recognizes his academic excellence and research contributions to turfgrass science. He received a $5,000 scholarship and the opportunity to engage further with professionals across the industry during the conference and trade show.

Newsome is pursuing a master’s degree in agricultural and environmental plant science. His research focuses on how soil moisture affects the behavior, fitness, and control of the annual bluegrass weevil—a pest of significant concern to turfgrass managers.

The success at the 2026 GCSAA Conference reflects the sustained excellence of Penn State’s turfgrass science students and the supportive academic environment that helps students thrive. With national titles and competitive honors, these students are not only enhancing the reputation of their university but also helping set the stage for the future of turfgrass management—a field where scientific innovation and practical skills come together to support sustainable, high-performing landscapes.

Congratulations to Dr. McGraw and his PSU turfgrass science students!

Read more industry news in Pennsylvania Turfgrass magazine > https://theturfzone.com/ptc/?ascat=72&sub=issue&issue_id=9925&rti=true&dep=3