In the Spotlight...

Larry Hergott, CGCS, Nebraska GCSA secretary/treasurer

Tell us a little bit about your background

I was born in Concordia, KS and my folks lived across the border in Hubbell, NE. Mom worked at the hospital in Concordia. We moved to a farm halfway between Hebron and Alexandria before I was two. We still own the farm today. I attended grade school and high school in Alexandria. After graduation in 1968, I joined the Air Force. I have been married for 31 years to my wife Bernice and have two children, David and Steven. Both my boys have graduated from The University of Nebraska and have very good jobs. The only thing I need now is grandchildren! I enjoy playing golf (if you call it that) with my family and friends. I also enjoy hunting and fishing.

This is our “ice-breaker” question. What is the first success you can remember having as a child? Was it riding a bicycle, learning to read?

Good ice-breaker. For me, I think it would have been when I was 10. Dad allowed me to plow the wheat stubble without his assistance. It was a great feeling knowing your dad really does trust you.

How did you get started with the Nebraska GCSA?

I joined the NGCSA in 1979. That was my first year as a superintendent. Joe Hadwick, who was the superintendent at Lincoln Country Club, invited me to attend a meeting with him. I was lucky to have Joe and a couple of others as my mentors.

Nebraska has had success reaching out to facilities through the Technical Assistance Network, can you tell us a little bit about that?

Several of the NGCSA Superintendents have been working with low budget facilities for many years. When I became a superintendent they reached out to me. I could talk to any of them and they would answer any questions or visit my course if needed. When the Technical Assistance Network came to us from the GCSAA, it was a perfect fit. It requires more paperwork now, but our superintendents haven’t changed their focus. The last line of our mission statement says, “To give mutual assistance to one another and to create a good fellowship among the Superintendents”. I can honestly say that I enjoy helping other superintendents and/or courses with whatever they need.

Share your stories by emailing them to Leann Cooper.