The wide-range of sports at BSM can be seen performed on the field, court, or ice during their seasons. Students and parents turn up for each game to watch the BSM teams, but there is an aspect of these sports that goes completely unnoticed: managing. Each varsity sport has a small crew of managers that do the behind-the-scenes work and keep the teams running smoothly. From pumping up balls to carrying heavy equipment, there is a lot behind the scenes that goes down to ensure high-quality sports at BSM.

In the fall, boys’ soccer was managed by Joe Aamoth and Alexander Salmon. The team offers managerial positions to any senior with a heavy involvement in the program in previous years. “I managed because I wanted to have some fun this fall and I wasn’t playing soccer due to injury. I thought it’d be fun to still hang around all the boys and be around the soccer environment and still kind of be involved,” senior Alexander Salmon said.

Managing soccer is a more important role than one may think. A lot goes into practice/game setup–an issue with organization could throw the team off. “For soccer, I had to be much more organized, and it took a little bit for us to get everything down. Because it’s very easy to not put a bag of balls in the right place or just mess something up without being organized,” senior Joe Aamoth said.

Similarly, details pre-game are important for managing boys’ football. The team only has a certain period of time to warm up, and this process must go over smoothly to ensure proper time management. “If it’s a home game, we have to set up the field, get the pylons, and get the down markers out,” Senior manager Nathan Marusich said.

These managerial tasks may seem like tedious and boring jobs, but the team counts on them. Many find this role enjoyable. Being a part of a sports team’s culture is a sought-after experience at BSM, and managing offers that aspect without actually playing the sport itself. “I was up in the booth with all the coaches, recording film and giving some insight. Being around the team in that way and being able to be a part of their culture [was the best part],” Marusich said

Managing basketball is a bit different as there are far more managers to help out the team. The managers are Joe Aamoth, Moti Jote, Jack Shull, Jack Dietz, Oliver Bastian, and Myles Hatcher. Managers have a lighter schedule, but keep a similar workload. Senior Joe Aamoth tries to go twice a week. “When I go to the practice, we kind of just rebound for shots when they do practice drills. At the games, I’ll keep track of some stats and then fill up water bottles. [We] kind of do whatever they need,” Aamoth said.

Like with any unfamiliar role, there is a learning curve for new managers. Although managing might take an adjustment period, it becomes second nature once they familiarize themselves with the team’s routines and culture.“People think it’s more work than it really is. It’s like not as much work as it’s cut out to be. Once you get later in the season, you get a rhythm and you know how everything goes.,” Aamoth said.

Girls’ Hockey manager Kylie Wagner and Boys’ Hockey manager Shea Traverse take on similar responsibilities during games and practices. At BSM, hockey draws in a large crowd and is consistently expected to perform. Managers have large roles in this sense, and are very proud of it. “I enjoy my role as a manager because I know how important it is during a game. I currently do video notes during the game and help out with sticks and water bottles. Each of [the managers’] jobs are important and they all go hand in hand. So I wouldn’t want to change anything,” Traverse said.

The tasks that these managers complete help the teams out, but also are positive experiences for the managers themselves. Several mangers noted that acquiring skills and meeting new people throughout the season makes it an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.“Usually you’ll have a lot of things to do, so it helps you with time management. And just meeting a lot of fun people along the way and [making] some lasting relationships [is fun],” Wagner said.

Overall, many at BSM are passionate about their role in managing a sports team. From boys’ soccer to girls’ hockey, the participation and work ethic of the managers is crucial for the team’s morale and productivity during practice. When looking behind the scenes, much more goes into being a manager than assumed upon first glance.