I have the opportunity to spend time with GCSAA members and
great people in the industry as part of my duties as your field staff
representative. One such interaction more than a year and a half ago has stuck
with me, and has been thrust back to the forefront of my mind for reasons both
fortunate and unfortunate.
This particular event was the Finger Lakes Association of GCS
Elmer J.Michaels Scholarship and Research Tournament. I had the pleasure of
spending the day with Joe Hahn, a legend in the golf and turf industry in New
York, and a true gentleman. If you were to spend some time researching Hahn’s
background, you would undoubtedly be impressed. I distinctly remember a tweet I
sent out stating “our industry is where it is today because of the Joes of yesterday”.
Why do I reminisce of such an event? The GCSA of New England takes the opportunity
to recognize the members who have molded their association over the years at
the Chapter Championship. Recognizing each retired participant, complete with
first-tee-at-Augusta style bio, is a tremendous gesture and one that is
obviously appreciated by those in attendance. In addition, the golf portion of
the day has a category to decide the supremacy of the retired division. I’m
sure if I were to look at the Past Presidents list or Distinguished Service
Award winners, many of those at the Chapter Championship would be on one list
or both.
GCSA of New England President Mark Gagne recognizes the
retired members at MCC.
The overwhelming reason I wanted to write about these
particular events is the recent recognition of a long-time member of the
Northeastern GCSA, Mark Printsky. Printsky retired from his role as
superintendent for McGregor CC in Saratoga Springs, and returned shortly after
to “work” with the staff doing facilities maintenance. In all he was at McGregor
CC for more than30 years. Printsky went to sleep on June 8, 2014, and never
woke up. His friends, family, and colleagues held a memorial event in his honor
Aug. 23, with nearly 100 in attendance. Mary Beth Printsky likened her
husband’s occupation as superintendent to that of firefighters, “more like a
brotherhood, not a profession.” She told the group of the love Mark shared for the chapter and all its members,
and the passion for the profession that bound them all close.
The state of the industry, and most associations, is not
what it was back in the day. The superintendents charged with leading the
profession at any point have had to make changes and adapt to any number of
challenges. Consider recognizing them for their accomplishments before it is
too late. Remember, the industry and profession is where it is today because of
the dedication and hard work they all did for us yesterday.
