Texas High Schools Find TigerTurf More Grass Like, Better Quality

Forney High School new TigerTurf field system, installed by Texas Sports Builders, plays well come rain or shine

Two Texas high schools have adopted the latest proven synthetic sport field product from TigerTurf -- its two-toned monofilament -- which is now being manufactured in Austin.

Students at the Monahans-Wickett-Pyote Independent School District (MWPISD) and Forney High School started the school year on the new turf, which incorporates varying hues for a more natural appearance. Texas Sports Builders (TSB), headquartered in Burleson, Texas, was chosen to install both systems.

According to Mickey Owens, Athletic Director at MWPISD, the District looked at other synthetic products and knew they wanted TigerTurf monofilament. "It's more like natural grass than other synthetic systems, more realistic. The blades are slimmer, more grass like. We like the feel of it. We think it's a better product.”

He added, "Texas Sports Builders were great. They introduced us to TigerTurf. We're very pleased with the quality.”

Similarly, Kevin Rush, Forney's Athletic Director and Head Football Coach, and 2007-08 THSCA football advisory committee chairman, said he'd seen TigerTurf at a clinic and was impressed. "We looked at it and a number of other monofilaments. We liked this one the best.”

He said the system "drains very well, we're able to practice in the rain, move on it, keep our footing and it's helped prevent shin splints.” Normally in Texas in August and September the ground is hard as rock and our kids would have a lot of shin splints, continued Rush. "The new turf is saving wear and tear; our athletes are fresher on game day.”

He said he's already recommended TigerTurf to others and given TSB high marks, too."Texas Sports Builders were fantastic with us. They take great pride in being accountable. They want to do a great job.”

Owens also said he would recommend TSB and TigerTurf. "The experience with both so far has been great. This level of field system is a wonderful asset,” he noted.

Both Owens and Rush said the contractor, faced with the two rainiest months on record during the jobs, did its best to stay on schedule, working through the rain.

TigerTurf Americas' Austin plant, the company's first full-service manufacturing facility in North America, began production earlier this year. TigerTurf's two-toned monofilament is one of many products produced at the plant. Further south, the company has another full-service manufacturing plant in San Paolo, Brazil, serving customers throughout Latin and South America.

About TigerTurf International

TigerTurf International is one of the largest synthetic turf manufacturers in the world, with headquarters in Auckland, New Zealand, and wholly-owned subsidiaries in Australia, the United Kingdom and the Americas.

The company owns and operates a global network of manufacturing facilities, most with ISO 9001 certification, servicing customers in over 85 countries. The most recent facilities were added in Texas and Brazil in 2007.

TigerTurf develops customized and standard turf solutions for soccer, American football, field hockey, lacrosse, tennis, golf and numerous other sport and landscaping surfaces. Many of the company's products have passed the stringent testing requirements of FIFA, FIH, ITF, IRB, World Bowls and other sport governing bodies.

About Texas Sports Builders

Texas Sports Builders (TSB) is a sport specialty contractor headquartered in Burleson, Texas. The company performs all facets of general sports construction for synthetic and natural grass fields and installs tracks and other sport facilities.

In addition to its work in Texas, the company has installed field systems in Louisiana and Oklahoma.