Nobody expects the hero of a college football conference championship game to not be wearing a uniform, but that’s exactly the scenario that played out during Saturday’s Big Ten Conference Championship game between Ohio State and Wisconsin.
Early in the fourth quarter, Lucas Oil Stadium field manager Eric Harlow answered the call of duty as he ran on to repair a section of the field that had been torn up by a tough play on the goal line.
Harlow managed to repair the turf in less about 10 minutes, and just like that, a star was born.
Gus Johnson + "Turf Guy" from last night's Big Ten Championship game is everything pic.twitter.com/XeMXsTiPun
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) December 3, 2017
Lucas Oil Stadium Field Manager Eric Harlow has a bachelor's degree in turf grass management from Purdue.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) December 3, 2017
He was previously a groundskeeper for the Phillies & Nationals. pic.twitter.com/RO2ZiFnWmK
Many seemed surprised to learn that one could study turf grass management.
This is an oddly specific major.
— Quinn (@quinicillin) December 3, 2017
It certainly was. Former @PUSportsTurf alumni
— Purdue Sports Turf (@PUSportsTurf) December 3, 2017
The game resumed after the short delay and continued without incident.
Hats off to Harlow, the turf hero we didn’t know we needed.
I like Turf Guy better... He should also be the newest avenger pic.twitter.com/9OTUn10FeJ
— Kevin Cochran (@thekevincochran) December 3, 2017
