We see the players score the points, the coaches direct the plays, hear the band play the fight song, but we never stop to think about who makes it all possible.

No matter the reason for being a manager (whether it is due to an injury, time commitment, or a desire to be part of a team and help out) managers are a big asset to keeping the team on track.

For senior Imani Clayton, playing field hockey this season was no longer an option.

“My mom wouldn’t let me play so I could concentrate on grades, but I still wanted to be part of the program, so managing was the best way,” said Clayton.

Some sports need managers more than others, as keeping score is important. Or, like football, the team is so large coaches simply cannot do it themselves. This was the case this fall, as junior Izzy Zaru-Roque, a sports medicine assistant, was asked to sub for a manager as the team lacked a full-time manager.

“I agreed because I want to eventually go into medicine and it seemed like a good opportunity to observe a field of medicine and interact with the players,” said Zaru-Roque.

Most understand that managers work to help the team, but not many athletes or spectators stop to appreciate all they do for the players. Though attendance is not mandatory for every practice for most teams, two to three hours can be spent at practices and the hard work really comes into play on game night.

As a Field Hockey manager, Clayton had to keep score of the game, shots on goal and keep track of the time.

For junior Michael McCormick, who was specifically asked by Coach Brian Puhlick to manage girls’ Varsity Lacrosse, preparing for game night is a little different. Most of the preparation for the spring season actually occurs in the fall.

“I record all the games so the players can review and analyze the footage and I also keep the time, and record the score,” said McCormick.

Coaches and players share a large role together and need to cooperate to make their team successful.

“I meet once a week with Coach Puhlick to discuss and plan,” said McCormick “I really like being there to help out and make sure everything goes smoothly.”

There are definite perks that come along with being manager. Though there is time commitment and it can be less rigorous than actual practice, there is still the team mentality around.

“Getting spirit wear was one of my favorite parts,” said Clayton.

No matter the reason for being manager, it’s safe to safe that it’s the best of both worlds.

Students and players alike should stop to take a minute to appreciate the correct score that is displayed, the filled water bottles, and moral support.

 “You feel a part of the game and you are with the players every step of the way,” said Zaru-Roque.