Many high school students will say some of their favorite memories each year were spent at sporting events. They can recall how a football game went into overtime and the kicker scored a field goal to win the game, or how their favorite Raider athlete did something spectacular and somehow managed to pull off a come-from-behind victory.

   Even though athletes are usually the main focus of attention at each game, there are other students and faculty who work behind the scenes to help make each team the best they can be. For example, coaches and managers work hard to insure each athlete is in shape and has  everything they need to secure a ‘W’ at their contest.

“I’d say we spend about 40 hours a week doing things for the team,” football coach Kevin Ellison said. “We are constantly helping the team in and out of school and going to the games. That’s just part of the job.”

    Coaches have always been essential to a team’s success by planning plays, being readily available at practice and always keeping their players motivated.

   “Often times as a coach you deal with numerous personalities,” Ellison said. “You just have to try to adapt to each one, which takes time, because you have to get to know the kids. You have to pay attention to them a lot more when you’re working with them so you can figure out how to talk to them, what you can say, what you can’t say, and different techniques to motivate them.”

   With lots to focus on being a coach and teaching their subjects in school, it’s important for coaches to keep themselves motivated, as well.

   “I drive about an hour everyday to get here because I live in Killeen,” Ellison said. “When I finally get here, the kids motivate me. So I try to make sure I’m there for them. I’m not perfect, but I do my best.”

    However, all athletes need a little extra help from time to time, and that is where sport managers come in. Managers are students who assist the coach and players during practices and games.

   “Being a manager means you have a lot of responsibilities to keep up with,” head football manager senior Chloe Hatfield said. “We have to attend every practice for several levels of the game, which for football meant both JV and varsity. We were there basically there to make the coaches lives easier and make sure everything ran smoothly.”

   Because managers are students too, they serve as a liaison between coaches and athletes and can relate to some of the ups and downs athletes may face.

    “Getting to know the athletes and being a part of the team is one of the best things about being a manager,” Hatfield said. “I’m not very good at sports, but being able to experience that  family atmosphere is really nice. It’s live having a bunch of older and younger brothers. They say it all the time, and it’s cheesy, but we really are one big family. Everyone loves each other.”  

   Most people know the hard work and time athletes put into their passion, but next time you experience a game, remember the people behind the scenes who helped get them where they want to be.

   “Our managers are the best people I’ve ever worked with,” Ellison said. “They work very hard, they’re here in the mornings just like we are, and they get things done. Our trainers are also second to none. They’re very reliable, and I’m proud to be a part of what they are. It takes hard work and dedicateon to manage our athletes. It helps give us a polished product in each contest.”