As athletes run up and down their respective fields trying to bring home a win for their team, there are usually people on the sidelines who are an important part of the team, but who often go unrecognized.
At Staples High School these people are the managers.
For sports such as football, soccer, volleyball and wrestling there are two or more students per team that devote time and energy towards keeping both the players and the games organized.
“As managers, we basically take care of the equipment, make sure everything is where it needs to be and easily accessible, and we’ll fix the helmets or do whatever needs to be done,” says Varsity football manager Rachel Shapiro ’13.
While football may be one of the most time consuming sports for a manager, other sports such as soccer and volleyball get the easier end of things.
According to one of the Varsity boy’s soccer managers Zoe Greenblatt ’12, managing doesn’t take up that much of her time.
“We don’t have to go to practices- just games,” says Greenblatt. “The best part of being a manger is that, since I’m not playing golf or any other sports, having something to do is nice.”
In general most managers take score, record statistics, and help the team out with equipment or injuries; but for some sports, relationships between the managers and the players can be formed.
“I have made new friends,” added Greenblatt. “As corny as that sounds.”
With a promising relationship and a fun after school activity to offer, the only thing that the being a manager sounds like is a great time. As much as the experience is beneficial for the managers, the players also love having them around.
“Our soccer team has always had great managers and this year it is no different. Stevie (Klien ’12), Emily (Kowal ’12), Katie (Reiner ’12) and Zoe (Greenblatt ’12) might as well be members of the team,” says Varsity boy’s soccer Captain Jake Malowitz ’12) Not only do they keep stats at every game, but they are always supportive and cheering us on. Our team would certainly not be the same without our four great managers.”
