Eric Harshman has one of the most diverse resumes in the turf industry. He spent 12 years in the National Guard, then earned degrees in both graphic design and sports marketing, until finally marrying into a family golf course where he got bitten by the turf bug. He went on to work for Walter Pritchett at Hurstbourne Country Club in Louisville, KY.
He then found his way to LSU as an assistant sports turf manager. Being an avid baseball fan, with a sport marketing degree, he wanted to try a stint with the Lexington Legends, a professional minor league team. The work was great, but the hours were not very accommodating for a family man with children.
Eric has now found a home as the Head Grounds Manager at Transylvania University in Lexington KY. The life of a grounds manager at a major university is not an easy one, especially with a small staff, but it has been a very enjoyable one for Eric. The University no longer has a football team, but he is responsible for the entire campus and all the sports they do have. He shares with us what it takes to manage such a large operation and how the transition has been from golf to sports turf and finally to the manager of a large university.
Eric has a great reputation and his story is enjoyable for anyone who loves the turf industry.