USC Upstate’s Bruce Suddeth inducted into SC Sports Field Management Hall of Fame

Bruce Suddeth of USC Upstate has been inducted into the South Carolina Sports Field Management Association Hall of Fame,
recognizing his longstanding contributions to athletic field management and his service to the professional organization.
Suddeth, director of building and landscape services at USC Upstate, was inducted this month alongside five other members.
The honor recognizes individuals who have made significant service contributions to the association and to South Carolina’s
sports field industry. Suddeth is part of the inaugural group of inductees who also served as original board members of the chapter.
Suddeth joined USC Upstate in 2002, around the time the SCSFMA chapter was formed. He has served the organization as a past chapter president and has held the role of secretary for the past 17 years.
Under Suddeth’s leadership, USC Upstate’s athletic fields have earned multiple National Field of the Year awards in baseball,
softball and soccer, according to Steven Hardy, vice chancellor for finance and administration. Hardy said Suddeth has also
played a key role in the growth of the state association, which includes members from colleges, high schools, parks and recreation departments, and professional and minor league facilities.
“I am proud to recognize Bruce Suddeth for his extraordinary leadership and service,” Hardy said. “His induction into the
SCSFMA Hall of Fame reflects decades of tireless commitment to the institution and his profession.”
Hardy also cited Suddeth’s work supporting campus initiatives related to landscaping, Tree Campus USA, Arbor Day and other environmental programs, as well as his efforts to build strong relationships across the Upstate community.
Before joining USC Upstate, Suddeth worked at Milliken, where his career concluded in sports field products. At the university,
he oversees nine staff members responsible for the main campus and directs a five-person crew dedicated to athletic fields
and nearby common areas.  Suddeth said maintaining natural grass fields is a year-round responsibility focused on athlete safety
and field performance.
“The priority is safety on the fields, so athletes don’t get hurt,” he said. “You want them to be as smooth and play as they should.”
The SCSFMA typically holds several meetings each year to provide education and professional development for its members,
including presentations from industry experts. Suddeth said the relationships formed through the association are among its most valuable benefits.
“In the end, it’s having that camaraderie with everybody and building those relationships that are probably more valuable than growing grass,” he said.
Suddeth said his work with the association, USC Upstate Athletics, and students and families reinforces the importance of his role. “It’s not flashy,” he said. “We just do our job.”