Beaver Stadium The Pennsylvania State University University Park Pennsylvania

Case Description:

During Penn State University's game with Rutgers in 1993, Bob Hudzik wondered how he would cope with the disaster occurring before his eyes. It was raining hard and the field looked like it was exploding. The sod laid 2 months earlier was lifting and forming convoluted piles wherever there was play. Obviously, there were no roots to anchor the sod. With the saturated condition of the turf, the physical stresses of play easily cleaved the sod from the underlying soil. While football players can be expected to slip on a wet field, this field was unplayable. It was also embarrassing despite having one of the world's premiere turfgrass programs, Penn State's football field was now in the worst imaginable condition. Bob wondered if he would still have a job at the end of the day. And, if so, what he would do to correct this mess.

• The Field Manager
• The Administration
• Field Construction and Conditions
• Field Maintenance
• The 1993 Season

Perspectives:

• Robert Hudzik, Athletic Field Manager

Study Materials:

• Soil Properties
• Thatch

Assignments:

One group will be assigned the responsibility for making a presentation containing the following elements:

A brief synopsis of the case description
A detailed analysis of the facts presented in the case description
A list of the issues emerging from the analysis
A broadly stated strategy for addressing the issues
A detailed action plan for implementing this strategy
This group should also prepare a report using the format that follows and submit hard copies along with appropriate attachments to on the date shown in the course schedule.

Download *Format* for Preparing Your Case Report