Learning under the Lights
Tristan Lowery, an Athens local who grew up around UGA sports, never imagined that he would be a part of something so iconic. As a Clarke Central High School student, he dual-enrolled at the university and, without much thought, selected Turfgrass Management as a major. That decision, combined with strong faculty mentorship and a lifelong love of sports, set him on a path that merged science, hands-on work, and the thrill of competition.
Lowery, an Honors student, later added a horticulture minor, a good combination for anyone managing full athletic facilities—from fields to flowerbeds.
As part of UGA’s athletics grounds crew, Lowery helps maintain several high-profile fields, including the football practice facility and Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium.
“It can be very anxiety-inducing to mow Sanford Stadium, but they encourage us to learn new things,” Lowery says.
Whether it’s prepping a surface months in advance, helping repaint lines, or standing by on game day for quick turf repairs, his job is hands-on and always evolving.
“I’m very proud of what I do. I think we have a very important job when it comes to UGA athletics, and I’m honored to be a part of it.”
On game day, Lowery arrives early to set up and stands ready to assist on the field until the game ends—closer to the action that most fans could dream of being.
“We’re a very small part of a very large group of people that go into a game day for football,” Lowrey says. “We hold Sanford Stadium to a very high standard, just like UGA Football is held to a very high standard.”
“I’m very proud of what I do. I think we have a very important job when it comes to UGA athletics, and I’m honored to be a part of it.”
Groundwork for a Career
What he’s learning in the classroom fuels what he does in the field. From plant biology to soil science, Lowery sees the impact of his education daily. The degree program has also helped him strengthen his time management, work ethic, and sense of purpose.
Lowery hopes to turn his UGA experience into a full-time career—ideally with a professional team or sports complex. Whether he’s managing a football field, soccer pitch, or baseball diamond, he’s confident that his experiences here are key to his future success.
Lowery is also thankful for the groundskeeping supervisors that guide him. “They really want us to learn and get better and develop these skills so we can do them when we’re on our own, hopefully managing our own field.”
