The latest news from ASBA members.

Kevin Leach Joins Team Laykold

western U.S. If you need any assistance from product information to application procedures, I am eager to help you!” Kevin’s contact information is: mobile #: 720-235-7170; e-mail: kevinmleach@gmail.com. 

For information on Laykold or becoming a Team Laykold contractor, please call Kevin or visit www.laykold.com.  

CoverSports Tapped to Supply Philadelphia Phillies/Citizen Bank Park with Field Covers, Wall Padding

The Philadelphia Phillies and Citizens Bank Park, home of the perennial National League Eastern Division Champions, have purchased a variety of CoverSports’ field covers and wall padding products for its upcoming season.

CoverSports custom-made a Full Infield Tarp, 175’x175’ square of 6.3oz. white/white polyethylene, with custom twist, easier-to-grab handles, grommets at 12’ intervals and webbing on all four sides for additional reinforcement.

Six custom Rain Spot Covers in Maple Green 18oz. vinyl with 2’ grommet intervals were manufactured to protect the pitchers’ mounds and home plates on the playing field and both bullpens.

In addition, CoverSports used a 3” EnviroSafe foam and 18oz. Emerald Green Vinyl covering to make padding for the walls of the entire outfield including parts of the foul line territories of right and left fields, and the bullpen areas. These pads will replace the stadium padding that was originally installed when the Park opened. The heights of the pads range from 30” to 8’3”, and also feature seven home run distance markers printed on the padding in white numerals with red and blue trim

For information about CoverSports’ complete range of coverings and fabrics please visit our website www.coversports.com, call 800-445-6680 or email us at sales@coversports.com, or write Sales, 5000 Paschall Ave, Philadelphia PA 19143.

Rickerl Promoted to VP of Operations at Douglas Industries

with production methods, sells products, and answers customer calls. He loves sports and enjoys working in the sports industry.

Chris earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Northern Iowa. He also played college baseball at Mount St. Clare College in Clinton, Iowa before transferring to Northern Iowa to finish his degree. He grew up in Clinton and currently lives there with his wife Stacy, 10-month old daughter, and step-son..
 

ECORE International Names Former President and CEO of Mannington Mills to its Board of Directors

ECORE International, the pioneer in recycled products technology, announces that Thomas S. Davis, retired President and CEO of the New Jersey-based flooring company, Mannington Mills, Inc., has joined the ECORE Board of Directors.

At Mannington, Davis helped develop a management team and culture that is recognized as one of the best in the flooring industry by customers, suppliers, employees and even competitors. In addition, he also served as Chairman of the Resilient Floor Covering Institute for 2008 and 2009. During that period, the organization developed a new strategic direction more in sync with the needs of the industry and its members. Davis joined Mannington after a 23-year tenure with Milliken & Company in Spartanburg, Georgia. Prior he served as an officer in the United States Army and earned his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in chemistry at Furman University.

Arthur Dodge III, ECORE Chairman and CEO, said, “Tom is a recognized leader in the flooring industry, and his reputation for integrity and evenhandedness is above reproach. I look forward to tapping into Tom’s experience and innovative spirit as we seek to take ECORE to the next level. We are delighted to have him on board.”

ECORE’s other directors include Lori Dowling, industry consultant and former President and CEO of StarNet Commercial Flooring Cooperative (now, Starnet Worldwide Commercial Flooring Partnership); Michael DeRosa, Managing Director of Element Partners; Andrew Dodge, President of Gerbert Ltd.; Laura Dodge, Managing Director of International Business of ECORE International; Gene Otto, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Sageworth Trust Company; and, Scott Wagner, President and Owner of Penn Waste.

“ECORE is a company with a compelling platform,” said Davis. “In addition, they enjoy the collected wisdom of experienced personnel who have been in the flooring industry for a number of years, which translates to strong relationships, a cornerstone in our business. I am excited about being on their board and hope to be a contributor to their continued success.”

Since 1989, ECORE International has revolutionized the recycled rubber flooring category. With its original perspective, ECORE continues to impact the industry and improve the way people live, work and play, every single day.

To learn more about ECORE International, its advanced technologies and portfolio of products and brands, please visit www.ECOREIntl.com. 

U.S. Olympian Nicole Barnhart Selects Everlast with Nike Grind

“In discovering Everlast with Nike Grind, I found the product is not only professional grade, but sustainable and made in the U.S. – an overall win.”

Everlast with Nike Grind resilient interlocking tiles are engineered to protect floors in high-use areas, such as fitness centers and health clubs. The interlocking puzzle tiles are durable, portable and are easy to install. Tight-fitting, precision-cut puzzle edges lock together easily, without requiring adhesive. Because of the rigorous nature of a professional athlete’s workout regimen Barnhart chose the commercial focused Everlast with Nike Grind product.

For the general consumer’s home gym needs, Training Ground with Nike Grind is a consumer focused product sold through retailers that contains 25 percent Nike Grind rubber and is available in one color. Training Ground with Nike Grind is a resilient, interlocking tile system for the quality conscious and environmentally aware. Colorful Nike Grind flecks give Training Ground tiles a high tech appearance perfect for any home gym.

Barnhart, a Nike athlete, appreciates the brand’s relation to the product. “Containing Nike Grind rubber, I applaud Nike’s innovative use of recycled material to produce a premium-grade athletic surface.”

All Everlast recycled rubber-surfacing products now contain Nike Grind, a premium-grade raw material made from recycled athletic shoes from the Nike Reuse-A-Shoe program and Nike manufacturing scrap. The Nike Grind material is processed and refined using technology developed by Nike engineers and is blended with premium recycled tire rubber to create Everlast Sports Surfacing products.

By using Nike Grind material in Everlast sports surfacing products, nearly 500,000 pounds of unused Nike footwear by-products and unwanted athletic shoes are rescued from landfills each year. The Everlast/Nike partnership demonstrates both companies’ shared commitment to preserving the environment and using resources responsibly.

Barnhart, who helped the USA qualify for the Women’s World Cup in 2011 stated, “Everything about this product is outstanding.”
 

Halecon Completes Work on Rutgers-Camden Tennis Courts

Halecon, Inc., located in Bridgewater, NJ has announced the completion of new outdoor hard courts at Rutgers University, Camden campus.

Construction of the six new asphalt all weather courts was completed June in time for the University to host inaugural seasons for both the Men’s and Women’s tennis teams. Rutgers-Camden hasn’t had a men’s team since 1996 and a women’s team since 1988. Additionally, 3 courts were striped with 10 and under tennis lines.

“Located at the bottom of the Ben Franklin Bridge, next to Campbell’s Field, the Camden waterfront, and the Philadelphia skyline, the University has created a one of a kind landscape for their new courts” said Matt Hale, Project Manager of Halecon. “By striping the 3 courts with 10 and under lines the University also can spark interest in their summer camps.”

Halecon is a full service paving and excavating firm that specializes in tennis court, running track, and all weather sports surface construction.

For more information about Halecon or about its projects and services, contact Matt Hale at 732.302.1234, Matt.halecon@verizon.net or visit www.haleconinc.com.

Har-Tru Sports Acquires Tennis Supply Companies

HAR-TRU Sports has announced the acquisition of the tennis operations of J.A. Cissel Manufacturing and Century Sports. The acquisition provides HAR-TRU’s customers with access to a wider array of products and the best brands in the tennis accessories and surfacing marketplace. Plus, the combined resources and expertise of HAR-TRU, Cissel and Century will add value to current and future customers.

“The acquisition supports and aligns with HAR-TRU’s mission to develop innovative tennis products that help our customers maximize their potential,” said Anderson McNeill, president of HAR-TRU Sports and Charles Luck. “The acquisition allows us to stay competitive in the sports supply segment and focused on our path of developing champions around the world.”

Headquartered in Lakewood, N.J, Cissel and Century provide complementary extensions of HAR-TRU’s product offerings. The acquisition also creates synergies in product innovation, product sourcing, and new product development. Cissel and Century are being purchased from Bob Hellerson.

“We’ve admired Bob’s product leadership and focus on introducing innovative and top-of-the-line tennis court accessories for years”, said Randy Futty, general manager of HAR-TRU Sports. “This acquisition allows us to expand our current product offering to include accessories for clay and hard courts while giving us a chance to increase our reach and name recognition nationally and globally,” Futty added.

In an effort to integrate the companies as smoothly as possible, HAR-TRU will operate Cissel and Century independently for the foreseeable future. During this time, Bob will continue to serve in a management role and help to transition the company over to HAR-TRU. Approximately 30 associates are employed within the two companies.

ABOUT J.A. CISSEL AND CENTURY SPORTS:
Century Sports was founded in 1972 and is one of the most diversified suppliers of court equipment in the U.S. The company is known for their strong commitment to product innovation and improvement, as well as their top-of-the-line group of tennis and court products.

J.A. Cissel was founded in 1968 and provides new and innovative product ideas in the sports and recreation, conservation and tennis industries.

ABOUT HAR-TRU SPORTS:
HAR-TRU Sports is based in Charlottesville, Va., and is a leading provider of clay courts, lighting and court accessories in the tennis industry. With a focus on developing champions worldwide, HAR-TRU Sports, one of the business divisions operated by Luck Companies, is best known for its HAR-TRU brand of clay courts and uses its products, knowledge, advocacy and passion to further the development of tennis champions around the world. The company’s global expansion now includes courts in Australia and China and a focus on innovative green technology to provide world-class products. 

LSI Teams with Crimson Tide

The University of Alabama recently unveiled it’s new six court indoor tennis center in time for the spring tennis season. The new facility includes scoreboards for each court, 145 box seats, restrooms and a lobby. Other features of the new building include 50’ overhead clearance above the netline and extra space behind the baselines and between courts.

The courts are illuminated with LSI’s HiDef lighting system. A total of (84) linear direct / indirect fixtures provide superior visibility and energy efficiency. The system can be operated at multiple light outputs depending on the type of event taking place in the building.

OMNOVA Introduces GenCal® 7463 Latex Binder for Running Track Applications

OMNOVA Solutions recently unveiled its new GenCal® 7463 styrene butadiene (SB) latex binder for rubberized running track construction. Based on OMNOVA’s robust carpet adhesive chemistry, GenCal 7463 provides better adhesion to rubber particles than traditional binders and delivers a good balance of strength and resilience within a water-based latex emulsion – ideal qualities for running tracks that are exposed to the elements.

GenCal 7463 is produced at OMNOVA’s Calhoun, Georgia Performance Chemicals facility conveniently located to serve the Southeast and Gulf Coast regions. This product is available in bulk shipments, 275-gallon totes or 55-gallon drums. OMNOVA will continue to serve the running track industry from its Mogadore, Ohio facility with GenFlo® 3088 (tack coat) and GenFlo 3966 (main binder).

For additional information, contact OMNOVA Solutions’ customer service center at (888) 253-5454 or visit www.omnova.com. 

OMNOVA Solutions is a technology-based company with 2011 pro forma sales of $1.2 billion and a global workforce of approximately 2,300. OMNOVA is an innovator of emulsion polymers, specialty chemicals, and decorative and functional surfaces for a variety of commercial, industrial and residential end uses. Visit OMNOVA Solutions on the internet at www.omnova.com. 
 

Chris Polk Joins Paragon Sports Constructors

Paragon Sports Constructors is pleased to announce the addition of Chris Polk, Construction Superintendent, to their Project Management team.

Mr. Polk brings twelve years of experience in the sports field and running track construction industry to Paragon Sports Constructors. Chris has managed and supervised many dozens of sports construction projects with his client list spanning K-12 schools, universities, and professional franchises.

“Chris is a highly respected and talented professional in our industry and greatly enhances the experience of our construction team here at Paragon Sports. He is great at building relationships with owners and the entire project team and that is something indispensable in our industry,” stated William Chaffe, President of Paragon Sports Constructors.

Along with his impressive project experience, Mr. Polk also brings with him ASBA Certified Field Builder and ASBA Certified Track Builder credentials.

“I have had the opportunity to be a part of many notable projects in my career and am excited to join a growing company that has a reputation for quality and integrity,” stated Chris Polk, new Project Superintendent for Paragon Sports Constructors.

About Paragon Sports Constructors

Paragon Sports Constructors is a turn-key sports construction company based in Fort Worth, Texas. They specialize in the construction of natural grass and synthetic turf sports fields and running tracks. For more information on Paragon Sports please visit www.paragon-sports.com.

Plexicushion® Prestige is the Surface of the Australian Open

The 2012 Australian Open marks the 5th consecutive year that the world-renowned Grand Slam has selected Plexipave’s Plexicushion Prestige tennis surface.

Plexicushion is selected year after year at the Australian Open, Australia’s greatest global sporting event, because of its ability to provide consistent playing characteristics and its compatibility with all players and styles. The well-known, signature Australian Open colors “True Blue” and “Velocity Blue” are distinctive and enhance ball visibility for players and spectators. “True Blue” Plexicushion has been a significant part of Tennis Australia’s commitment to reinvigorate Australian tennis. Regional centers throughout Australia have installed Plexicushion giving players a Grand Slam experience. This prestigious Grand Slam tournament will be taking place January 16 to January 29, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.

“Plexipave is proud and honored to be part of Tennis Australia’s surfacing program,” said Art Tucker, Plexipave’s Vice President. “We are pleased and privileged to be working as partners with Australian Plexipave of Victoria. Australian Plexipave is a full-service tennis court supply/construction firm that builds and services courts throughout Australia and brings extensive experience and pride to every job.”

The Australian Open lead up events in Auckland, Qatar, Sydney, Hobart, and Brisbane also compete on Plexicushion Prestige to provide the same reliable playing conditions for the athletes as they prepare for the year’s first Grand Slam. Plexipave is the world's largest manufacturer of acrylic sports surfacing systems and surface preparation products. Plexipave is also used at ATP and WTA Tournaments such as Del Ray Beach, Memphis, Indian Wells and Los Angeles. Plexipave’s tennis surfaces are known for their durability, low maintenance, vibrant and long lasting colors and overall customer value.

For more information about Plexipave visit www.plexipave.com or call 978-623-9980.

Plexicushion® to Remain the Surface of the Australian Open Through 2017

Tennis Australia, California Products’ Plexipave Division and Australian Plexipave Inc. announced an extended designation of Plexicushion Prestige as the surface of the Australian Open through 2017.

This extension reinforces the decision by Tennis Australia to select Plexicushion in 2007. As the surface of the Australian Open, it was a key component in Tennis Australia’s effort to revitalize tennis facilities and player development throughout Australia over the past five years.

“Since 2008, Tennis Australia has invested more than $12 million building or resurfacing over 1100 courts and Australian Plexipave has played and enormous role in helping us make this happen,” says Steve Wood CEO of Tennis Australia.

This extension will help to build upon that momentum as the Melbourne Park facilities are upgraded in the coming years. The Plexipave Division partners with WM Loud Co. in the construction and maintenance of the facilities. This long term business relationship has delivered uniform and consistent courts throughout the tournament venue. “Having a great installation team is vital to our long success,” according to Art Tucker, VP of Recreational Products. As the Grand Slam of Asia / Pacific, Plexicushion will enhance its promotions in developing tennis communities in Southeast Asia and China.

“We want the Australian Open True Blue Plexicushion court to become more and more prevalent throughout not only Australia but Asia,” says Wood.

Plexipave is the world’s largest manufacturer of acrylic sports surfacing systems and surface preparation products. Plexipave Systems are also used at ATP and WTA Tournaments such as Del Ray Beach, Memphis, Indian Wells and Los Angeles. Plexipave’s tennis surfaces are known for their durability, low maintenance, vibrant long lasting colors and overall customer value.

14 Grand Slam Champions to Compete on Plexipave Surfaces at the BNP Paribas Open

Plexipave announced it has been selected as the surface for the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.

The BNP Paribas Open features the finest men and women players competing in the second largest tennis stadium in the world. The tournament is the largest event to combine both men and women on the ATP and WTA Tours.
Players will include Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer. WTA participants will include top ranked players Caroline Wozniacki, Petra Kvitova, and Maria Sharapova.

Indian Wells is using the Plexipave surface for the 14th consecutive year. The Plexipave System was specifically manufactured to meet the rigorous demands of this tournament notably challenged by the warm, dry, desert climate.

“The players like the speed of play here. The court speed coupled with the dry air of the desert environment is what provides for the favorable conditions that are here for the players. This provides for great tennis.” says BNP Paribas Open Tournament Director, Steve Simon.

The unique ATP Masters signature Pro-Purple court color scheme originally selected by Tournament Director Charlie Pasarell improves visibility for players, fans and television viewers.

“We are very happy with the Pro-Purple as it provides great contrast which is critical for viewing the ball. The special colors and speed of play showcase the ultimate in tennis entertainment to the fans and consistent playability for the men’s and women’s competition. We have worked seamlessly with Plexipave to create the very best in tennis court performance.” says Simon

Indian Wells is the culmination of the spring tennis calendar played primarily on Plexicushion and Plexipave. The 2012 tennis season began with the Plexicushion® Prestige surface at the Australian Open series.

Plexipave’s surface allows speed of play that makes it possible for all levels of tennis players to excel. The surfaces’ consistent and true bounce enhances competition. Local and global authorized applicators insure this quality in every installed court.
 

PRO-1 Sports Fully Merges with Putterman Athletics

In late 2010, Putterman Athletics and PRO-1 Sports LLC announced their joint venture that brought together two leading tennis supply companies with complementary strategic visions. With the shared success of the companies over the past year and a half, including product expansion through a German-based company and hand-made tennis nets, the obvious next step in their growth was to fully merge the two companies. Therefore PRO-1 Sports has been fully merged to Putterman Athletics.

Business will run as usual and Putterman Athletics will continue to operate out of Chicago, IL (Sales and Corporate Office) and Marietta, GA (Sales and Distribution warehouse). All inquires relating to either company should be made to info@mputterman.com or to our toll-free number 800.621.0146.

We remain grateful for your business and our Sales and Customer Service Teams are ready to serve you. Please know that we are available to you online as well. At www.mputterman.com/ you can request a free quote and download our first annual 2012 catalog. On behalf of everyone at Putterman Athletics, we would like to thank you for letting us be your supplier.
 

Renner Sports Surfaces Recognized by USTA

The Colorado cities of Lone Tree and Steamboat Springs are to be congratulated for receiving the 2011 Annual Award for Excellence presented by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) for their outstanding tennis facilities. Only 9 U.S. tennis centers received this award in 2011. Renner Sports Surfaces of Denver, CO is proud and honored to have been instrumental in the construction and/or renovation of both of these Colorado projects.

Lone Tree Park and Tennis Center consists of 6 outdoor post-tensioned concrete tennis courts built by Renner Sports Surfaces. The facility is complimented with state-of-the-art court surfacing, fencing, lighting and amenities. The Tennis Center at Steamboat Springs features both outdoor and indoor courts, with the 6 indoor courts located within an air structure allowing for year round play. The indoor courts feature a special cushion surface (RSS.Reflex 500 installed by Renner Sports Surfaces) that enables safer and more comfortable play. A specialized lighting system, as well as amenities, both indoor and outdoor, makes this facility exceptional.

Renner Sports Surfaces is a long time family-owned Colorado business specializing in all phases of tennis court and running track construction and renovation.

The Tennis and Track Company Now Part of Renner Sports Surfaces

Greg McKenna, president of Renner Sports Surfaces, located in Denver, CO, is proud to announce that The Tennis and Track Company of Salt Lake City, UT is now part of the Renner Sports Surfaces’ family as a sister company. Now operating under Renner Sports Surfaces of Utah, this firm is a full-service tennis court and running track contractor, providing options for new construction and renovation of existing facilities.

Miles Minson, President, and Brian Renner, Tennis and Track Sales, may be contacted at 1-800-233-2970 or via e-mail at miles@tennisandtrackco.com and brian@tennisandtrackco.com respectively.

Sportsline Completes Work at University of Pennsylvania

Sportsline, Inc. (Exton, Pennsylvania) recently completed work on new University of Pennsylvania relays hammer and discus throw facility. Note that the cage has been completely encircled with synthetic turf, eliminating the need for grass cutting in that area. There is also a warm up area for athletes, and a dugout for officials and athletes. Behind the cage, there is seating with covered shelters , space for P.A. announcers, and room for cameras if needed to simulcast inside Franklin field during the relays.

Sportsline president Rob Werner writes, "This is going to be quite an event now for hammer and discus throwers, who are going from a bleak dump throw site to a new mini stadium bleacher/dugout. The facility is being called TrackLine Project 366: Tony Tenisi's Legacy, to honor Penn's longtime throws coach. Finally, Penn can invite the best of the best to Penn Relays, held the last week of April." Information is available from Sportsline, Inc., http://sportslineinc.com, 610-526-9476, info@sportslineinc.com.