Jan 16, 2013| Print this News| Email this News |

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (January 16, 2013) - The Toro Company is pleased to announce Kyley Dickson and Nik Wooldridge as the winners of the 2013 James R. Watson Scholarship. Toro will present the award to Dickson and Wooldridge at the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) Annual Conference and Exhibition on January 18, 2013 in Daytona, Florida.

Dickson, a graduate student at the University of Tennessee, is working on his master's degree in plant sciences. In addition to being very involved with the school's sports turf program, he has also given lectures and instructional sessions to students on a variety of topics including overseeding, athletic field management, and organic field quality. Dickson hopes to continue his education by obtaining a Ph. D, and eventually plans to become a professor in the turf industry.

Wooldridge, a self-proclaimed baseball fanatic, knew from an early age that if he couldn't play baseball professionally, he would like to manage a baseball field of his own. In his final year at Colorado State University, Wooldridge is taking steps to realize his dream by majoring in Turf Management and Landscape Design. He is also a member of school's turf club, and works on campus for the sports turf crew. Recognizing his passion for the industry, the Boston Red Sox grounds crew even offered Wooldridge an internship last summer.

The James R. Watson Scholarship was established in 1998 in honor of Dr. James R. Watson, a long-time agronomist at The Toro Company. During Dr. Watson's extensive career, he taught, conducted research, contributed to texts on turfgrass science, and authored over 400 articles. Dr. Watson also received many awards and served on boards associated with the turfgrass industry. His career was dedicated to enhancing the communication between the business community and the research and academic arena of the turfgrass industry.

To be considered for the James R. Watson Scholarship, applicants are judged on academic preparation, cumulative grade point average, experience in sports turf management, and references provided by student advisors, as well as previous or current employers. Applicants also are evaluated on their career objectives, as well as their contributions to their schools, departments and organizations to which they belong.

About The Toro Company
The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC) is a leading worldwide provider of innovative turf, landscape, rental and construction equipment, and irrigation and outdoor lighting solutions. With sales of more than $1.9 billion in fiscal 2012, Toro's global presence extends to more than 90 countries through strong relationships built on integrity and trust, constant innovation, and a commitment to helping customers enrich the beauty, productivity and sustainability of the land. Since 1914, the company has built a tradition of excellence around a number of strong brands to help customers care for golf courses, sports fields, public green spaces, commercial and residential properties, and agricultural fields.www.toro.com.

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Awards to be presented at STMA Conference, January 18, 2013 in Daytona, Florida
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