Student managers

story by Bree Moore≫

A lot of work is put into a team. On the sidelines, there are some students who work extremely hard as managers to keep players and coaches going. These students  put in long hours working behind the scenes, tackling any and all jobs that are given to them.

Payton Cook, Soph., manages for the girls’ basketball team. From filming games  and taking stats,  to filling up water bottles, Cook works hard to help our Lady Cards. When it comes to managing, each sport is different because there are different needs for each team. However, what Cook loves most about managing a team is hanging out with her friends while getting the job done – and on the plus side she gets into games for free.

“The hardest part of my job is getting everything the players and coaches need in order to have everything they need for a game, and also paying attention to the game for film and stats,” said Cook.

Mallory Wise, Soph., works hard as a football manager.

“People don’t realize how much work is being put into managing, and when football season comes around it is my first priority,” said Wise. “I consider myself to be apart of the team.”

As a manager, Wise has to make sure all of the supplies are together and put where they need to be. They lug the water jug around the field for the players and coaches when they need it. At times managing can be hard and the hardest part for Wise is after a losing game. She also finds it difficult to  keep up with all of the jobs that have to be done during a game.

“I would say the thing I enjoy most about managing is seeing how the team grows closer. They have their ups and downs in the end they would do anything for their teammates. I love to see the big wins and seeing what our team can really do,” said Wise.

Blake McNorton, Jr., watches over the boys basketball team and attends all of the practices and games for the boys. McNorton doesn’t find managing too difficult because he enjoys being around the court helping the boys out. Blake McNorton and Collin Decker help fill up water bottles, attend practices and help with drills, and take stats for all teams. However, he does find when the game gets going at a fast pace it does get hard at times to keep up with the stats. The pace of the games really gets rolling near the end which is definitely the hardest time for him.

“I enjoy being part of the team and helping the players and coaches,” said McNorton. “I’ve always enjoyed basketball but never been a big enough to play as hard as these guys, but I still wanted to be apart of the team.”