MCC superintendent happy to give back to community
Many of you may not know him, but everyone has seen his work.
Fifteen years ago, Jeff Stewart saw an opportunity, and took advantage of it on his way to becoming superintendent of the McMinnville Country Club.
Since then, while keeping the MCC course in top shape, he’s also volunteered much of his time to helping the county’s younger athletes.
“I started out helping with the course in Sparta and first came to the McMinnville Club as an assistant golf pro,” he recalled. “I was here for a few months and then realized there was a need for golf course superintendents.
“They had a superintendent here at the time and he was looking for an assistant. I made my mind up that I was going to get out of the teaching part and go into golf course maintenance. I wish I had started when I was in my early 20’s instead of waiting until I was in my 30’s.”
Stewart had to start from scratch — and learn as he worked. It would take many hours of reading and taking courses to put him in the position of head superintendent.
“I was trying to learn everything I could,” he said. “I worked with the superintendent here for about a year and then he left and I was on my own. The club hired a consultant from Stones River to come down and help me. His name was Dennis James, and he helped me for about two years. I was still going to as many classes as I could, knowing I still had a lot to learn.”
After two years Stewart was given the reins to call his own shots. He was still learning, but the club felt he was the man for the job. Hungry for knowledge, Stewart continued to ask questions and learn from other superintendents.
These days, Stewart oversees about 130 acres and supervises a six-man crew.
“I have a good staff and it takes all of us to keep things green,” he said, “but there are two acres that really get my attention — the greens. We have bent grass on the greens and you’re trying to keep them alive in a climate in which they’re not supposed to do real well. They really take a lot of my time to make sure they are in good playing condition.
“It takes seven days a week to keep these greens alive. It only takes a few hours in the summer when the temperatures reach close to 100 degrees to kill them. That’s been one of my biggest challenges.”
Stewart not only puts in 70-80 hours a week at his regular job, but also spends countless hours helping to maintain the athletic fields at Warren County High School and the football field at Nunley Stadium. He donates his time and knowledge in order for WCHS student-athletes to have beautiful fields to play on.
When asked why he spends so much time working on the school fields for free, Stewart said he felt he owed it to McMinnville’s young athletes.
“I enjoy working on these fields and this is one way I can give something back to the community,” he said. “I take pride in what I do, and take pride in my community. If I can help to keep our fields in good shape, then I’m more than happy to.
“I started helping out on the Patrick Ramsey baseball field and then did some work over at Nunley Stadium, and it has grown from there. (Athletic director) Andy Jacobs asked me to help out, and I was more than happy to.”
Jacobs said while the amount of volunteer work Stewart does is known by few, his commitment to the WCHS athletic programs is deeply appreciated.
“Jeff does so much to help benefit our high school athletic programs,” Jacobs said. “Words can’t explain how much time and hard work Jeff puts in on our fields and I don’t know what we would do with out his input.
“He does all this without asking for anything in return, he is one super individual who gives more than he receives.”
In addition to his work with the baseball complex and football practice and game fields, Stewart has been busy over the past year with renovations to the WCHS soccer field and the school’s new softball stadium.
Through all the hard work, however, he says his volunteer efforts allow him to continue learning techniques, and help maintain a sense of pride in doing what he feels is his duty to the community.
“Sports turf is a little different to maintain than what I do at the golf course, so it gives me a chance to learn something new,” he said. “It’s just a good feeling when you’re doing something to help somebody.
“I played ball growing up and in high school, and just feel like I should give back something. Some people ask me why I spend so much of my spare time working on the ball fields and I tell them it’s something I enjoy and if I can help keep the fields looking good then I’m going to do what I can to help.”