Turfgrass Staff - Don, Phil, & Mike K.

Don Cain & Phil Wagner
aka "The Everly Brother's"
aka "Phil Donahue"
aka "The Fairway Mower's"

Not known for their abilities to sing and perform (although it would be good fun entertainment) and certainly not American media personalities. These retirees have been mowing fairways as a duo since 2007. On mow days they arrive before sunrise, anxiously on the 1st fairway, waiting for the first rays to light the way. Not seen by the membership too often, usually done before play gets to the top of the course, their efforts often go easily unnoticed.

Don Cain (left in picture) - born in Cable, WI and at a young age moved to Superior. He has been a resident there since. A retiree of Barko Hydraulic (Superior), an innovator and industry leader of forestry and scrap handling equipment, he spent 28 successful years painting equipment as the company grew to be the worldwide leader in design. He use to spend his summers playing in softball leagues but now plays more golf and has always been a regular at the bowling alley. In his 4th year at NCC, our appreciation for his dedication and abilities continues to grow. We look forward to many more years.

Phil Wagner (right in picture) - was born in Nebraska but calls Minnesota his home. Raised in a military family he moved often throughout his youth. Feeling a need to serve our country he followed in his father’s footsteps by joining the US military. During his 4 year enlistment he was a military police dog handler. This led him down the path of an engaging 24 year career in law enforcement. Since retirement he has happily resided in Duluth. Entering his 6th year at NCC his pleasure for the job seems to grow every time he starts up his fairway mower. On occasion his family dog, Luna (golden retriever), comes to the golf course with me. The entire staff enjoys her company during the work day. With a refreshing outlook on life that is contagious, we look forward to the future.

Mike Kantor - grew up in Eagan and to Duluth to attend UMD where completed his BFA in Art Education. During college he had an emphasis in sculptural art and created artwork in many unique forms from welding to sewing. Since completing his degree in December he has decided to maintain his residence in Duluth. This fall he will be substitute teaching for the Duluth school district. Entering his 4th year at NCC we are fortunate to have Mike. His aptitude for learning the job makes our daily operations run smoothly. Always offering insight and thinking about effectiveness, he has proved to be a great team member. We hope he will be in Duluth for a long time and call NCC his second job during the summers.

From the blog of Chris Tritabaugh at Northland Country Club posted by Jake Ryan