Steve Ruckman’s journey in turfgrass science began on his family farm in New Albany, Indiana, where he managed the grass between rows of Christmas trees to prevent erosion and control growth. That early experience sparked a lifelong passion, which he nurtured through high school by maintaining his school’s baseball and soccer fields.
Steve pursued his interest at Purdue University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Turfgrass Science. While at Purdue, he gained hands-on experience at Valhalla Golf Club during its preparation for the 2008 Ryder Cup—an opportunity that solidified his commitment to turfgrass management.
Over the next 15 years, Steve built a distinguished career in minor league baseball, including leadership roles with the Triple-A affiliates of the Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia Phillies. In 2009, he joined the Richmond Flying Squirrels, the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, where he rose to Executive Director of Field and Ballpark Operations.
In 2019, Steve transitioned to public service as Division Supervisor of Sports Field Management for Henrico County, overseeing nearly 200 athletic fields and park grounds. Today, he serves as Sports Field and Construction Manager at Innovative Turf Application and Consulting (ITAC, Inc.), where he collaborates with athletic directors, coaches, and clients to solve field-related challenges—often within tight budgets.
Steve also contributes to the industry as a board member of the Virginia Sports Field Management Association, sharing his expertise to support the next generation of turfgrass professionals.