When people think of sports, their minds picture images of athletes scoring the game winning point or crowds of fans cheering on their favorite team. However, what about the managers behind the team? Mangers are a key part of sports, one sport being wrestling. At Antioch Community High School, wrestling managers play an impactful role within the sport and team.
Wrestling managers have multiple responsibilities; they are needed to run the scoreboard, recording matches, and taking stats at all the wrestling meets. Managers are a part of the team and have to show up to everything. They are at every practice, meet and any extra events the team attends. Although it may be hard for them to balance their schedule with school and work, many managers value the self-discovery and real-world experience that comes with the position. Senior manager Alexis Urban has been managing the past two years and will deeply miss the team and the sport in general.
“When I graduate, it’s going to be one of the most heart-wrenching things to do and not come back here,” Urban said.
Senior Grace Kue has been managing the team for four years and loves the bonding that happens within the team. Kue enjoys the bus rides to meets and staying with the other managers in hotel rooms. She has gained many amazing memories and friends from her time as a wrestling manager. Kue values the connections that have stemmed from managing, some meaningful connections are meeting new wrestlers or managers that join the team or meeting the whole coaching staff and getting to know everyone on a deeper level.
“We are really like a little family,” Kue said. “It’s less of a chore to hangout with your friends while helping out with the team.”
Urban and Kue both have similarities within managing, like their favorite wrestling meets being either IHSA state or Ted DeRousse. Ted DeRousse is one of the biggest tournaments the wrestlers have, but it is also memorable because the coaching staff makes food for the athletes and managers. State is also a favorite event since it is a huge accomplishment for the wrestlers that qualified. Managers are key at State by completing their tasks that allow the coaches and wrestlers to stay focused on their matches.
Wrestling managers play a pivotal role in the wrestling team having a successful season. While managers provide key roles within the team, they also gain experiences and friends that will stay with them throughout their lives.
