The crowd roars in applause whenever a star athlete scores a goal, throws a touchdown, or finishes a race. But if a team manager does something great, does anyone notice?

Grace Brase, one of the boys’ football managers, knows what this feels like. Despite not getting the glory that the team does, she takes her job very seriously.  “The football managers are much more prestigious than all the other athletic managers,” said Brase.  “A day managing the football team includes filling up three things of water.  We make sure that we have exactly ten scoops of ice in each water thing.”

The football managers then get on the golf cart, which Brase said allows no outsiders.  Upon arriving to the field, the managers put various practice materials on the field.  They set the press box time and then wait for practice and do what they are told. Sam Hensley talked about the football managers with high regard, saying  “They’re great.”  

Claire Roche, one of the boys’ soccer managers, had much to say about what she does on a daily basis being a manager.  “All of our jobs are to get the water for the team’s practices, Monday through Thursday, and to record stats for all of the JV and Varsity games,” said Roche. She used to play soccer for the Brebeuf women’s team.

“I like managing the men’s soccer team because I used to play soccer, so it’s fun to stay involved with the sport and I also like watching the games,” said Roche.  

“The soccer managers are very insightful and always ready with a water to quench our thirst or a good stat to keep us going,” said Matt Marker-Kump, a boys varsity soccer player.  

LeeAnn Cupp, one of the cross country managers, also talked about how much she enjoys managing.  “Managing Cross Country is a lot of fun! I love it because I can spend time with friends and do something helpful,” Cupp said.  

The cross country managers make sure that the water is out for the runners during practices.  “During meets I record times and placings throughout the race,” Cupp said.  The managers also take attendance and make sure uniforms and gear are handed out at the beginning of the season.  

“It can be hectic but it’s definitely exciting! I basically try to help out the coaches as much as possible and make sure it’s not as stressful on them so they can focus on the more important things,” Cupp said.  

The athletes themselves almost always overshadow the hard work of the managers, but athletics at Brebeuf would not run as smoothly without these helpful individuals.