Delaware Valley University student Connor Esbenshade recently participated in game-day operations at a Philadelphia Eagles football game as part of his internship experience. Esbenshade, who is studying turf management and plays baseball for the university’s team, assisted on the field by pulling up the net for extra points during the game.
Esbenshade is completing a six-month internship with Tony Leonard, director of grounds at Lincoln Financial Field. The internship offers hands-on training in sports turf management and exposure to NFL-level field operations.
Originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Esbenshade has received academic recognition as a two-time MAC Honor Roll recipient and has been named to the DelVal dean’s list.
Delaware Valley University’s Experience360 program requires students to participate in at least one internship or career-exploration opportunity before graduation. The university has emphasized experiential learning for nearly 130 years, aiming to prepare students for success after graduation through practical experience combined with scientific study.
Doug Linde, professor of turf management at Delaware Valley University, said: “I commend Connor for using the fall semester to get the full experience of prepping an NFL field for games along with maintaining practice fields. Director of Grounds Tony Leonard has hosted many interns from DelVal and acts as a knowledgeable and supportive mentor to our students.”
The turf management program at Delaware Valley University focuses on providing students with real-world opportunities in professional venues such as sports fields and grounds management settings.
