Managers make the difference

As athletes play, they keep the ball moving behind the scenes

Everyone sees the game-winning three or the awesome interception, but few know the hard work that was put in behind the scenes to allow this to happen.

Managing a high school team is an opportunity for students to show leadership in the WS community. Managers also get to meet new people and enjoy being a part of a team along the way.

“I chose to be a manager because I wanted to try something new and gain a sense of responsibility,” said junior Mariam Awad, who was a manger of the football team.

Managers have many responsibilities to ensure the well-being of their team. They have to organize events, and help set up, and then clean up equipment for practices and games. They also have many roles during games such as filming, keeping stats, or working the scoreboard.

All the effort that managers put in to help their various programs is reflected on the field. Players have more time to focus on improving during practice because managers help take care of some of the preparation and organization. Coaches use statistics and film that is recorded by managers to more effectively prepare for games.

“Managers do all the behind-the-scenes work so that players can get it done on the field,” said junior Daniel Wimmer. “Plus, they make us cookies after games.”

However, WS students who take on the challenge of managing face some hardships along the way. It is a huge time commitment; many managers find it difficult to balance their responsibilities with homework, studying, and work.

Also, some managers have faced disrespectful treatment from players. In general though, players appreciate all that managers do for WS sports’ programs, but sometimes coaches have to remind players how essential managers are to teams.

Despite these difficulties, many WS students enjoy managing and gain responsibility and organizational skills from the enjoyable experience.

“I made so many new friends and feel like I’m more involved in my school,” said junior Meriem Ouenniche, who helped manage the football and basketball teams.

Managers also enjoy being part of a team and gaining close relationships with players as well as other managers. They share in the glory of teams’ successes, but unfortunately have also have to face the grief that comes with losses.

“I hated seeing the guys lose,” said junior Londyn Gentry, who managed the football and basketball teams. “When they were sad, I was sad.”