Assistant Superintendent

After 3 weeks into his new position, Chad Stockton is doing a wonderful job. One of the things that makes the Superintendent position so interesting is the fact that these folks challenge me as much as they are challenged in their position.  Each assistant has their own set of strengths and interests which requires me, the Super, to adapt to that skill set. That keeps it fun and exciting, particularly watching these professionals mature in the position and develop the leadership qualities that will serve them well as a superintendent's.  The profession requires a very broad spectrum of knowledge and requires superintendents to wear many different hats.  We are knowledgeable in the game of golf, plumbing, electrical, construction and environmental issues, for example.

Chad's greatest attribute is his ability to handle and promote change.  There are very few people I know of, that could start working on the staff at an entry level position and work their way up to Assistant Superintendent. In the last 20 years, Chad has worked for 3 superintendents. In that time, the expectations increased exponentially.  Landscaping, for example, is entirely different.  Since 2001 when I started, our Clubhouse was rebuilt, employee housing increased by 2 buildings, we have a new LEC, new pool, a farm, new upgraded practice facility and a new Hudson House to come.  All of these required increased attention and continue to add to the success of the Club.  On the golf course, we've made considerable progress and continue to pave the way forward with better conditioning on a daily basis.  Each year, we get better at what we do and our expectations as a staff continue to rise. This is the way it should be. However, that's not done without an extremely motivated staff and Assistant that accepts the same vision and challenge as I do.  This year alone has been a major challenge due to staffing and weather. Neither have been much fun. Regardless, as the superintendent position continues to be a week to week, month to month planning and objectives type of job, it is the role of the assistant superintendent to take those directives and goals and lead the staff day to day and make it happen. We couldn't have a better quarterback in place than Chad Stockton because keeping staff motivated, focused and energized during a year like this is no easy task.  20 years ago, he came to HCC for a job, 13 years later he completed the Penn State Turfgrass Management Program and since then, it's been a passion.  It's always easy to say, "we've always done it this way"  but that's not moving forward.  If I ever felt like we weren't getting better, or I wasn't learning and pushing my limits, I believe I would be nearing the end of my career as a super.  Having a great co-pilot makes the journey much more rewarding!