Thread: Vikings Hire 'Sultan of Sod' Guru George Toma

[size=18px]Vikings contact 'Sultan of Sod' Toma[/size]

Judd Zulgad, Star Tribune
Last update: April 03, 2006 – 11:36 PM

Legendary groundskeeper George Toma already works with one local team, taking care of the field at the Twins' complex in Fort Myers, Fla., during spring training. Now the Vikings want to bring him in as a consultant.
Steve Poppen, the team's vice president of finance, said Monday the Vikings would like for Toma to examine the plans they have drawn up for their two practice fields at Winter Park, as well as get a firsthand look at the fields. The Vikings' facility is undergoing various renovations this offseason.

Toma, who has been the groundskeeper for all 40 Super Bowls, was contacted by the team a few weeks ago, but that was during his eight-week stint in Fort Myers. He is finishing that assignment and will return to his Kansas City-area home Friday. Poppen plans to call Toma again to see if he can visit for a couple of days.

"We want him to take a look at the plans and give us suggestions," Poppen said. "See if there is anything we could do differently."

Toma, nicknamed the "Sultan of Sod, would welcome the chance to help. "If they call, I'm available," he said Monday.

Etc.

• Free-agent linebacker Raonall Smith, the Vikings' second-round pick in 2002, signed a one-year, $750,000 deal with the Rams, the St. Louis Post- Dispatch reported on its website. He started five games for the Vikings last season.

• Vikings director of college scouting Scott Studwell, running backs coach Eric Bieniemy and scout Kevin McCabe were among 150 NFL executives at Southern California's Pro Day on Sunday. "It was very well organized," said Studwell, who estimated there were 300 high school recruits on hand to watch. "Logistically speaking for all the people they had there, I thought it ran very smoothly."

• The Vikings are expected to start bringing in draft-eligible players for visits next week.

Vikings contact 'Sultan of Sod' Toma

lmao, good pickup. I like this FA move.

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KFFL
Vikings | Team contacts Toma
Mon, 3 Apr 2006 21:05:29 -0700

Judd Zulgad, of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, reports the Minnesota Vikings have contacted groundskeeper George Toma, once nicknamed the "Sultan of Sod." Toma takes care of the Minnesota Twins field in Fort Myers, Fla., during spring training. The Vikings are believed to have interest in him to look at their fields at their Winter Park facility. He is expected to return home to Kansas City Friday, April 7. Toma said he is available if they call him back.

might just turn out to be our best yet.

"Vikings director of college scouting Scott Studwell" Thats my man!!

"mr.woo" wrote:

might just turn out to be our best yet.

I'm not so sure, the guy is heavily into grass. :grin:

We need our old field Logo's back. I don't like the "V" in the middle of the field. The Viking Logo was better IMO

I would like to see the old logo back

I actually like the V....

"singersp" wrote:

"mr.woo" wrote:

might just turn out to be our best yet.

I'm not so sure, the guy is heavily into grass. :grin:

he's putting in the new O.smith sod..

kentucky bluegrass and california sensimelia cross breed strain. :lol: :shock: :roll:


DiGiTaL

[size=18px]04/25/2006[/size]

[size=18px]Vikings Hire Turf Guru George Toma[/size]

The Minnesota Vikings' practice fields could be getting a much-needed makeover from the best grass man in the business.

Vikings Hire Turf Guru George Toma