Support Squad

Game day is when the athletes are in the spotlight. The scoreboard ticks along, the crowd cheers, and the intensity permeates the field or gym. What no one sees, however, is the understated work being done just beyond the fringe of the limelight. Any successful athletic event runs on the work of a support squad, the people behind the scenes who keep everything moving.

Managers are the first to volunteer. When the players are on the field or court, managers are noting statistics, preparing equipment, and making sure that the team has what it needs. They are keeping track of the numbers that tell the story of the match, often long after the final whistle blows.

Line runners have another role. They pick up balls, reset equipment, and keep the pace of the game going. One line runner put it this way: "I do get free laundry for doing this task, but I also enjoy the exercise and serving my friends and my school." Their work may be simple, but without them, the game would stop. They fill in any downtime with studying. 

And then there are the coaches. They never take the spotlight, but their direction determines every play. Coaches are the ones who strategize, motivate, and lead the team towards its goals.

Together, they form an unseen backbone. The players may get the glory, but the game would not be the same without those who toil behind the scenes. Next time you watch a team play, look beyond the scoreboard and remember the support team—the ones who make it possible.