In the summer of 2001, the Chicago Bears were in search of a new training facility in their home state of Illinois. The selection committee consisted of multiple Bears staff members, but none more integral than Head Groundskeeper, Ken Mrock. After multiple visits and discussions about the nine schools and facilities in consideration, Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois was chosen as the new “Summer Home of the Chicago Bears”. With a large, open canvas comprised of intramural sports, soccer and football fields, the native plot of land was a promising new spot for the National Football League club. Once the decision was made, Mrock knew what needed to be done in order to provide a safe and playable surface professional athletes could rely on. A long-time user of Pro

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