Unbeatable expertise combined with a hard-working attitude.
Leaders in our field since 2003.
Great Lakes Athletic Fields delivers proven and cost-efficient solutions to athletic departments, building and grounds managers, architects, and construction companies. We also manage fields and campuses for college and charter schools. Our professional services cover all aspects of native soil, modified soil, sand-based natural grass, and synthetic turf sports fields.
Seasoned veterans
When it comes to the delicate nature of athletic fields, the right expertise makes all the difference. With more than 80 years of combined experience, our team is highly trained and ready to assist in all phases of field management. No matter what issue or challenge you’re facing, you can be confident that we’ve encountered it before, and know the best solution to achieve the desired result.
Our approach
At Great Lakes Athletic Fields, our mission is to foster successful partnerships. We start by listening to your needs so our professionals can provide the answers you’ve been searching for. We stand behind our work and don’t hide behind technical jargon. Our recommendations are clear and easy to understand, so you always know what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and the value you’re getting.
As a company, we also value transparency, integrity, and dependability – and we work hard to uphold these ideals in every project we take on.
Areas of service
Based in Buffalo, NY, we provide expert athletic field services across Western New York, Central New York (including Rochester), Western Pennsylvania (including Erie), and beyond. For questions about availability, please contact us.
Recognitions
Great Lakes Athletic Fields was a 2013 Finalist for the Buffalo Niagara Business Ethics Award.
James E. Hornung, Sr.
Co-Owner
After earning his AAS degree in Landscape and Nursery Management from SUNY at Alfred and serving in the Army National Guard, Jim Hornung, Sr. started his career at Elbers Landscape Service – a business he purchased with his wife, Beth Ann, in 1980. Over two decades later, he co-founded Great Lakes Athletic Fields with his son, Jim Hornung, Jr.
Over the course of his 45+ years in athletic field maintenance and management, Jim has held many notable positions, including:
- Head groundskeeper at Dunn Tire Park in Buffalo for 15 seasons
- Head groundskeeper for the City of Buffalo Parks Department, which became Erie County/City of Buffalo Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry
- Sports field consultant for World University Games, Marco Clay Products, Erie Seawolves, and SUNY Fredonia
In 1997, Jim was presented with the American Association Groundskeeper of the Year Award by Major League Baseball. In 2000, he received the Unity Award from Bayer Corporation and in 2007 he received the Citation of Merit Award from the New York State Turfgrass Association.
James E. Hornung Jr.
Co-Owner & President
Jim Hornung, Jr. is responsible for the day-to-day management of Great Lakes Athletics Fields, along with his role as president of Elbers Landscape Service. He is a graduate of Canisius College and the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Management Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. Jim was named Volunteer of the Year in 2008 by the Snow & Ice Management Association, where he currently serves as president, and is a board member for Hasek’s Heroes.
Jim hold numerous professional memberships, including:
- New York State Nursery & Landscape Association
- Western New York State Nursery & Landscape Association
- New York State Turfgrass Association (board member)
- Sports Turf Managers Association
- Planet (Professional Landcare Network)
- Main-Amherst Business and Resident Association (board treasurer)
- Cherry Hill Club
- The Buffalo Club
Industry Associations As members of leading industry organizations, we are dedicated to staying on top of the latest best practices of athletic field management. Our associations also provide access to specializations and resources that may benefit our clients.
As members of leading industry organizations, we are dedicated to staying on top of the latest best practices of athletic field management. Our associations also provide access to specializations and resources that may benefit our clients.
