Mellor turned his love of sports and an interest in science into a successful career. "My brothers told me to find a career that I'd love to be in. I loved baseball and being outside, and science was my favorite subject in school. I thought - "Somebody has to take care of a major league field."

"Education is so important - no one can take that away from you. Get as much education and experience as you can," says Mellor, who networks with many OSU alums in the industry and uses the Sports Notes online university resource on a regular basis. "Ohio State opened up many opportunities for me. I met some great people who I still stay in touch with."

"Plants provide the background for so many things we do in our life, whether it be your own lawn, an athletic field, a local park," says Mellor. Mellor, who is know for designing intricate mowing patterns on his fiels, has also authored two turfgrass management books for homeowners who want to be the envy of the block: Picture Perfect : Mowing Techniques for Lawns, Landscapes, and Sports and The Lawn Bible: How to Keep It Green, Groomed, and Growing Every Season of the Year.