Christian Mauro

Hello, for those of you who don't know me my name is Mike Donahue and I'm here today as the commercial representative to the CAGCS Board of Directors with the honor to present the 2008 Superintendent of the Year.

Before I start, I would ask that the following individuals stand who have had the honor and distinction to be chosen by their peers in the past to be superintendent of the year.

Keith Angilly - Past President
Les Kennedy - Current Chapter Delegate
Jud Smith - Past President, Newsletter Committee
Heather Garvin - Newsletter Editor
Bob Chalifour - Past President, Newsletter Editor
Brian Skelly - Past President
John Motycka - Past Treasurer
Phil Neaton - Past President, NERTC Board Member
Anthony Grosso - Past President, NERTC Board Member
Mike Wallace - Past President GCSAA
Fred Bachand - Recently Retired, Wethersfield CC

It's interesting to note that these individuals through their efforts and guidance have produced in what many have acknowledged in our field as one of the best managed and productive superintendent organizations in the country. CAGCS's financial management can be only described as AAA. Wall Street should take notice.

Our members involved in Government Relations has been ever vigilant about excessive or unfair regulations as well as promoting a professional dialogue with opposing viewpoints This group is also ever mindful about educating the membership about agronomic developments and supporting local schools to develop and test new products applicable to our specific region. With CAGCS's generous support the UConn Turfgrass Program has in its short history distinguished itself as a leading academic and research facility.

CAGCS's support and direction of The New England Turfgrass Conference is believed by many currently in the industry as the best state or regional turfgrass show in the country. With the long term involvement of CAGCS members and past presidents Anthony Grosso and Phil Neaton this conference has excelled far beyond anyone's expectations. While many conferences and trades shows have declined recently the New England Conference continues to grow and expand.

Our recipient of 2008's superintendent of the year award is no stranger to the idea of participation. He's been a member of our organization for 16 years and has been active as a board member for 10 years. In discussing his past and present with family, coworkers, peers, mentors and subordinates some common traits keep arising. Everyone keeps describing him as competitive but in a positive way. In addition, his orientation and attitude toward a “teamwork” management approach have won him praise by everyone mentioned.

This year's recipient exemplifies these characteristics. He grew up in Madison, CT one of 4 brothers where he attended Hand High School. He participated in wrestling and successfully played baseball at the position of catcher where he received numerous awards. He's an avid sports fan of the Yankee's, Giants and UConn Football.

His career started at Madison Country Club, a 1909 Willie Parks designed layout working for Superintendent Mike Chrzanowski. He had enrolled at UConn Avery Point but after working at Madison he decided to switch his major and enrolled at the UMass 2 year turfgrass program. Mike noticed a serious dedication of this individual and delegated him more responsibility and actually appointed him assistant superintendent while he was still attending school at UMass. He stayed at Madison for 4 years and honed his skills.

In 1995 Highfield Golf Club, a small family oriented country club was looking for a new superintendent and our recipient accepted the position. This 1953 Orrin Smith designed layout in Middlebury, CT. was in need of some upgrades and this young superintendent was eager for the challenge. He supervised the installation of a new irrigation system from an old quick coupler system. A major increase in the size of the driving range was due and he facilitated that construction project.

Many of the greens were performing badly and he then prioritized the reconstruction of them over a 4 year period with minimal play disruption. As an avid golfer, his club recognized his appreciation for improving course conditions and sought out his input for elevating the course's playability. This high credibility paid off when his position was expanded to General Manger of the course 6 years ago. By now most of you know who our recipient is.

Our recipient has been a very active member of our association. Beginning In 2000 he served 2 years as Scholarship and Research Chairman where he ran the S & R Tournament. Afterword he served 2 years as membership chairman. In 2004 he served as Secretary where his organizational skills surfaced. In 2006 he was elected Vice President and finally in 2008 he was elected President.

His family life is very active as well. He met his wife Amy, from Dalton, MA, while both were attending UMass. Both were taking a class in Early Child Development. They dated for 4 years and have been married for 12 years. They obviously took that class to heart. They now have 4 children, Zach-9, Alli-7, Jason -4 and Sage -3. Even with this busy schedule dad finds time with his children coaching little league. And for the second year in a row we have a marriage where opposites attract. Our Superintendent is an avid Yankees fan and his smarter half is a Red Sox fan.

As we see, our recipient embodies the concept of healthy competition and teamwork. As association president he seeks input and dialogue before finalizing decisions. He's receptive to opposing ideas and values with respect all ideas and viewpoints. I've learned that he's also a good manger by always being prepared & organized at board meetings. He's also encouraged employees to improve their situation by pursuing their education and professional experiences even when it temporarily inconvenienced him. He also recognized the value of this organization and takes seriously its stewardship that has been delegated to him.

They say that the baseball catcher has the toughest job on the baseball field. Compared to any other defensive player on the field he has the responsibility and awareness of many things at same time. It's fair to say that this year's recipient, a former catcher learned those behind the plate skills during his younger days and applies that orientation of total awareness to his professional and personal life.

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my honor and pleasure to present the 2008 Superintendent of the Year, Mr. Christian Mauro.