equipment managers

FIFTEEN #1 Seeds Upset!

October 14, 2019 By Jeff Zogg

From the Big 12 to the Empire 8, number one seeds were upset and eliminated from their Conference Championship bracket.

The biggest upset? Thomas More Saints defeated the mighty Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Independent bracket. Also in the Independent, the Liberty Flames advanced past the West Point Army Black Knights. Whoa!

This is why Helmet Bowl is the Greatest College Football Helmet Contest Ever! You decide which helmet advances. Not us. Not some talking head in New York or LA. Not some group of guys sitting around drinking beers deciding the best (unless you are drinking beers and voting).

Here are the other 14 upsets (each of the headlines are linked straight to voting).

Great Plains

The Morningside Mustangs defeated the Hastings Broncos to face the Dakota Wesleyan Tigers.

American Athletic Conference

The North Carolina State Wolfpack defeated Pitt Panthers to face the Louisville Cardinals.

Big 12

The Kansas State Wildcats came back to defeat Iowa State in the last few hours of voting. Now, they face the West Virginia Mountaineers. Both teams have worn more attractive helmets this season – send them in!

PAC 12

The Oregon State Beavers must be pleased to knock off the Oregon Ducks to advance to the PAC 12 Conference Championship where they face the Colorado Buffalos (who, by the way, defeated one of our favorite helmets – that of the Stanford Cardinals).

Southeastern Conference

Well, Georgia got beat this weekend on the gridiron, then drops out of Helmet Bowl due to a very strong Vanderbilt helmet. However, the upset was Ole Miss defeating #1 seeded Mississippi State.

Sun Belt

The Arkansas State Red Wolves beat the plain but attractive Georgia Southern Eagles helmet to face the nice Texas State San Marcos Bobcats in the Conference Championship.

Northeast Conference

The Sacred Heart Pioneers beat the perennially strong Wagner Seahawks, earning a contest with the Robert Morris Bobcats.

Pioneer Football League

The Stetson Hatters, no stranger to Conference Championships, defeated the Marist Red Foxes to face the Davidson Wildcats for the ultimate prize.

Southland

The Central Arkansas Bears beat a strong McNeese State helmet to face the Lamar Cardinals in the Championship.

Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association

Hearkening back to Helmet Bowl I, the Central Missouri Mules have battled and battled against the Northwest Missouri Bearcats. This time, the Mules provide the upset. Now, they met the Nebraska Kearney Lopes for all the MIAA marbles.

Northeast 10

The Bentley Falcons swiped away the LIU Post Long Island Pioneers to face the cool Saint Anselm Hawks for the cheese.

Northern Sun

The Upper Iowa Peacocks always seem to find a way to be in the mix. They upset the St. Cloud State Huskies to give themselves a chance at a Conference Championship. Standing in the way: The Minnesota State Morehead Dragons. Great matchup here.

South Atlantic

The Newberry Wolves place a howling canine in a big block N and it works – at least it worked to upset the Lenoir=Rhyne Bears. Now, the Wolves must face a charging Limestone Saints team.

Empire 8

The Alfred Saxons put up a unique and attractive helmet – usually a winning combination. Not in Helmet Bowl III. The Utica Pioneers came along and defeated them to match up against the Saint John Fisher Cardinals for the trophy.

AEMA Convention Preview

May 16, 2019 By Jeff Zogg

The 45^th annual Athletic Equipment Managers Association Convention begins June 3 so we asked a few District Directors and other officials about what they are looking forward to in Indianapolis.

Sam Trusner, AEMA Office Manager tells us there will be about 500 Equipment Managers at this year’s convention – similar to crowd sizes in the past.

“The biggest thing this year, and most years, is the standardization of equipment and safety,” Sam says.

For years, the focus has been on football helmets, and that will continue.

“Helmet issues change daily,” Sam says. “I think it is changing for the better and we need to get the information out. Manufacturers, everyone, are doing a better job and providing a better product and now we have people involved — chemists, engineers, and neurosurgeons — who are helping get a better product.”

Sam, a member of AEMA for 34 years, said NOCSAE (National Organizing Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) officals will be talking about standards being established for football shoulder pads—a new endeavor.

Officials for NAERA (National Athletic Equipment Reconditioners Association) and from the NCAA Rules Committee also are slated to present.

Equipment Managers Certification Exam

Plus, the exam.

AEMA will sit 104 Equipment Managers for the Certification Exam. About 70 percent pass, Sam says.

“It’s important because it raises the awareness of what we do and how important this job is,” Sam says. “Almost every school now says you must be certified or get certified within a year to be an Equipment Manager there.”

Helmet Tracker offers an Exam scholarship that reimburses one Equipment Manager the cost of the exam and the study book. (It's not too late to apply – and it's easy).

Convention Timing

Another issue that may rise is the importance and timing of the AEMA Convention itself.

“There are so many football camps and stuff going on that it becomes increasingly hard to schedule a time of year when everyone is free,” Sam says.

Budget restrictions and the increasing popularity of AEMA District meetings, as well as NCAA conference meetings, also play a part.

Indianapolis

Still, this year’s AEMA Convention in Indianapolis will be popular.

“There is always something going on there,” Sam says. “It’s probably my favorite place to have convention and it’s right in our biggest district. It’s probably the most centralized location for the majority of our membership that we have.”

AEMA President Clifton Perry

Clifton is busy preparing the Princeton Women’s Lacrosse team for the quarterfinals and wrapping up the baseball season, among other tasks.

“Every convention is a little bit different. I enjoy going to convention more because of the camaraderie and the people I don’t see throughout the year,” he says. ”It’s a great chance to reconnect with people you haven’t seen in a while”

“Sometimes the convention is more about the personal catchup times than the professional connections, but it’s all important,” Clifton says.

Vendors

He looks forward to meeting with vendors and exploring new products.

“Some of the vendors the last few years are doing a great job of developing new things that make our lives easier,” he says. “There were a few last year that really kinda blew me away. I bought them as soon as I saw them and I don’t really do things like that.”

He said his goals for the AEMA is to be as transparent as possible. “This has been the most challenging year I’ve ever had on the board of directors.

“This is my 12^th year on the board and I don’t think people understand what it takes behind the scenes.”

For most AEMA members and those who attend the convention, Clifton says it’s important to continue to learn. `

“The best thing as professionals is that we need to stay current to make the changes we need to make in our equipment rooms to be the best we can be.”

Helmets for WLAX and Soccer

For example?

“I like the fact we are talking about wearing helmets in women’s lacrosse and in soccer, but at what point does it become so expensive that administrators start thinking about dropping the sport?”

Kathy Saltis, District I Director and Westfield State Equipment Room Manager

“The best thing about the convention is seeing other people and comparing notes. I am not a traveling Equipment Manager and many DIII Equipment Managers don’t travel with their teams, so at convention we get to hear about what is going on in the rest of the equipment world, see new products, and hear about new ways of doing things.”

Being an Equipment Manager at a smaller school, Kathleen says connecting with Equipment Managers from similarly-sized schools is valuable.

“By intentionally networking you learn new tricks on how to do things and how the rest of the world operates,” she says. “In DIII, the range of the people who work this job is huge. Some have training as a custodian, or groundskeeper, or are former coaches.

That’s why certification is so important. It gives us more credibility.”

She told us she looks forward to exploring Indy and its many monuments.

Mike Royster, AEMA Executive Director and Assistant Athletic Director of Athletics Facilities and Equipment at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

“Equipment guys and girls don’t get a lot of time off so when you get some time away its good to relax a little bit and we try to make the convention a relaxing atmosphere,” he says.

“We have good vendors coming – I think we have about 115 or so,” he says.

Another issue on everyone’s mind is the NFL helmet testing.

Kevin Jurenko, District III Director and Stetson University Director of Equipment

“This is my first convention as a district director and I’ll be going to some of those AEAM meetings for leadership,” he says.

“But I will definitely check out the vendor booths at the convention – I make out a list of who to see.”

As with most everyone going to convention, Kevin looks forward to connecting with colleagues and seeing some of Indianapolis.

“I will try to see the Colts facility and make it out to Victory Field to see a game.” The Indians, the AAA ballclub of the Pittsburg Pirates, play in a downtown facility within walking distance of the convention. They have a home game Sunday, June 2, but are out of town the rest of the convention time.

Kerry Connor Jr., District IV Director, Director of Equipment Operations for the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns.

“I started going to the AEMA convention in 2004 and as soon as I arrived I said to myself – I cannot miss another one.”

Kerry said the connections he’s made with other Equipment Managers form a cornerstone for the convention.

“Every year I look forward to seeing familiar faces and guys I admire and respect. There are people I like to hang out with and grab a beer and tell stories about what has happened with us.”

He also enjoys meeting vendors and finding out what the next thing or service is that will help him do the job more effectively.

“The last time we were in Indy, I didn’t get a chance to see the Colts’ Lucas Oil stadium or visiting the Indianapolis 500 Museum, so I hope to see those this year.”

Chris Dountas, District IX Director, Stanford Assistant Athletic Director-Equipment Manager

“This will be my 17th convention,” he says. “I look forward to going every year to the classes. The CEU credit classes are important and there is a good lineup this year.”

Chris is presenting a workshop on International Travel with Rob Jones, Assistant Athletics Director, Equipment Operations at UC Davis.

“He hired me as an intern about 15 years ago, so it’s going to be a big deal for me to present with him,” Chris says.

It’s those connections that form the highlights of the convention for most Equipment Managers.

“Everyone is so busy all the time. You might go to your own conference gathering, but seeing all the old friends and see what they are up to and connect – that’s one of the great things about convention.”

“I tell everyone that going to the AEMA convention is a great way to meet people. Our industry is very tight knit, it’s personal.”

Taxing Coaches Apparel

Hot buttons this year?

“There is a lot of talk about the public and state institutions having to charge sales tax and how to go about charging the coaches and staffs,” Chris says. “That will change everyone’s accounting.

Helmet Tracker wrote about the issue last month.

“And, helmets are always a big time discussion and this year the shoulder pads could be a big deal as the NFL is talking about announcing a shoulder pad ranking like they are doing for the helmets.”

Troy Jepsen, District VI Director and Head Equipment Manager at Drake

“I look forward to visiting the Adidas facility and to get a handle on the ins and outs of their operation so that when I need something it will help me understand how to do my job better.”

The Bulldogs are an Adidas school.

“I also look forward to visiting with friends and colleagues — to see what is going on and catch up on their lives,” he says. “I look forward to that.”

Troy says those connections are what make the AEMA special.

“Equipment Managers are one big family. We take care of each other.”

He says the personal and professional connections become quite intricate by the time an Equipment Manager has been to 20 conventions, like he has. But it’s just as important for young Equipment Managers to begin to build their friendships and networks as well.

“It’s never too early to start.”

Future Conventions

2020– Fort Worth, TX
May 31-June 4
2021– Atlanta, GA
June 6-June 10
2022– Las Vegas, NV
June 5-June 9

Meet Helmet Tracker Intern, Student Manager, Carter Rands

August 1, 2018 By Jeff Zogg

Most every student manager we’ve run into in equipment rooms, who we've heard about or interviewed, has a story that follows one of a few routes.

They were looking for a job to make some extra money in college and heard about the equipment room.
Or, they were assigned the equipment room by a work study program and found out they liked it.
Or, they wanted to find a way to get close to the players, the coaches, and the program.

Carter Rands is not like most every student equipment manager.

Kansas State Wildcats

Carter begins his second year in the K-State Equipment Room. Today, like yesterday, the Equipment Managers inventory the cool stuff—the new hats, the new T-shirts, the new shorts—everything needed for the athletes and coaches for training camp. And more.

“We went over the entire 16-day training camp schedule yesterday,” Carter told us. “There will be some pretty long days!”

The Wildcats begin Friday. “The trainers and us are the first ones in.” In Manhattan, there are two full time Equipment Managers, a Graduate Assistant, and eight student managers on staff for training camp. “We gotta get the gear ready. There is a lot of gear to be issued and a lot of equipment to repair,” Carter said.

Early Decision

Carter didn’t happen into the K-State equipment room. He wasn’t assigned there. He doesn’t seek to rub elbows with the stars (though he does admit to being a bit star struck in the San Francisco 49ers Equipment Room this summer. More on that later).

Carter decided as a freshman in high school he wanted a career in an equipment room. Yup. A. Freshman. In. High. School.

“My 8^th grade year I suffered an injury and doctors said I shouldn’t play football anymore. I went to the Head Coach my freshmen year and he offered me a job as a student manager.

“That first week I completely fell in love with it. I decided right then I wanted this to be my career.”

Carter served the Maroons as an equipment manager all four of his years at Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines.

Kansas State Fit

When he began making a decision about where to go to college, he primarily based his choice on the equipment room atmosphere and welcome.

“I looked at D1 schools like Iowa State and K-State and others. When I talked with Al (Al Cerbe, Equipment Manager) at K-State and found him super friendly and very outgoing. He offered me a shot at a spot in the equipment room and I chose K-State.”

Yes, Carter contacted Equipment Managers at the colleges he was interested in attending as part of his college choice decision making process. Ever hear of that? Us neither.

“Carter is a young man with a great passion for this profession and is seeking out the opportunities to be better which is the K-State way!” Al told us. “It is always a blessing to have a young man that is willing to do anything for your program and enjoys being there.”

Carter loves working for Al.

“K-State is a big school, and has a very good football program. I love the whole mantra of family here. It’s working out great and I love it here,” he said.

Done to a T

Now he enters his second season with the Wildcats—a season where things are coming a bit more comfortably for him.

“Last year I was extremely nervous. I felt there were a lot of expectations from fellow managers. I felt like if I took a lot of time on something it would slow things down. Everything here is done to a T. You follow a schedule and you have to be exact.”

“It was a shock to me.”

“Now, I am a lot more comfortable with the environment and the schedule. Everything is a lot easier to me,” Carter said. “I am more familiar with the way we run the program.”

Still, there are things to learn. Always things to learn.

“Sure, there are a little bit of nerves still. I’ve been out for the summer and there is a new coach in my position. Eric Hickson, he was a running back here in the 90s and came from the Akron Zips where he coached.”

Hickson was the all-time leading rusher when he completed his Wildcat career with 2,537 yards and 26 touchdowns.

Al told us that Carter, too, has the opportunity to reach his goals.

“Once Carter has a little more experience and brings a balance to all that is going to school and being a student manager than I truly believe the sky is the limit for him,” he said.

Helmet Tracker Intern

When Al Cerbe announced to his staff the opportunity to join Helmet Tracker for the summer, Carter jumped at the chance. Carter worked alongside Helmet Tracker to implement NFL teams with the Helmet Tracker system.

This meant tagging helmets and shoulder pads with RFID technology and inputting the initial information into the inventory and management system.

Though the internship was unpaid, Carter saw the benefits.

“I got to travel all over the country—gaining knowledge about how NFL equipment teams work and gathering tips and advice about the equipment and how to care for it,” Carter told us.

Green Bay Packers

Carter worked with the Vikings, 49ers, Raiders, Broncos, Browns, Patriots, Colts, and Bengals. He ended his internship with Helmet Tracker co-Founder Rich Hardt in Green Bay.

“What a great way to end a summer internship by spending a few days with the Packers’ equipment team,” Rich said. “I don't think Carter will ever forget laughing (almost crying) at one of Equipment Manager Red Batty’s stories during one of those infamous ‘Safety’ breaks.”

Carter Rands student manager, k-state equipment room — Carter Rands

Equipment Managers were helpful and most were friendly and welcoming. Carter said he received offers from two for internships and from one to help out on the sidelines during a game. Most of the time it was heads-down work—going from helmet to helmet, shoulder pad to shoulder pad, tagging and inputting. Working fast, there wasn’t time or freedom to wander around and be an inside fan.

But at one point, for Carter, the fan came out.

“I remember at the 49ers, I got star-stuck. We were there right in the middle of their OTA and Jimmy Garoppolo and Richard Sherman were there. I got to meet with those guys and talk with them—it was a cool experience.”

Other times, Helmet Tracker was installed in a back room, no windows, no locker room, no interaction. Sometimes, a gaggle of team interns would assist, sometimes Helmet Tracker was on its own. Either way, the work got done.

“This was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” Carter said. “I want to be a manager in the NFL and it was an incredible opportunity to visit those places and be introduced to the Equipment Mangers there.

“Helmet Tracker is helping me pave my way to my dream.”

MOAM Serves Orphans, Provides EQMs Unique Experience

June 22, 2018 By Jeff Zogg

Molly Hart enjoys Irish Dancing. She attends an all-girls school. She serves as an Equipment Manager for Notre Dame Football. And just a few hours ago, Molly Hart stepped off a plane in Ghana.

Molly Hart one of several Equipment Managers to serve in an African orphanage with Managers On A Mission — Molly Hart, Notre Dame student Equipment Manager will serve in an orphanage in Ghana with Managers On A Mission (MOAM) this summer.

“This trip combines missions and sports. I’m interested in both,” Molly told us at Helmet Tracker. “The whole faith aspect of it was something I was really glad is included. It is very easy to run sports camps in another country and not acknowledge the faith aspect. This isn't like that. This is a perfect opportunity.

“A perfect opportunity.”

MOAM Serves

Molly joins one of five teams from Managers On A Mission arriving at an African orphanage this week. This marks the fifth summer MOAM has sent teams to five orphanages in five African countries. There, the teams give full-time missionaries a three-week break, serve the orphans by caring for them and teaching them something about sports, and most importantly weave the truths of the Gospel through everything they do.

“Those who we chose to go this year are men and women who are future leaders in the sports industry,” said MOAM founder Drew Boe. “We are really intentionally honing in on that. We focus in on men and women who are fixed on pursuing a career in the sports industry.”

Drew knows these trips, where (mostly) young equipment managers may be going overseas for the first time, can shape their outlook on the world and their faith for years to come. He knows because that’s what happened to him. He spent time in Rwanda with the Rafiki Foundation, which runs orphanages in several African nations. This was not too many years ago. God transformed Drew and planted a seed that grew into MOAM.

“God put it on my heart to combine the sports industry with what He was doing at these orphanages,” he recalled.

Hearing from God

MOAM raises funding through donations and through selling used and overstocked sports apparel donated by pro and college teams. Then, Drew, his staff, and the board, offer scholarships and these summer missions trips to put young student equipment managers in a position to experience something different, hear from God, and make a difference in others’ lives.

“One of the coolest things for them is having the opportunity to serve alongside other believers who they may not have known,” Drew says.

For Molly, her time at a Ghana orphanage is the latest step in her journey that began on the Irish Dancing floor and lead to the equipment room at Notre Dame.

“I’m from Grand Rapids, Michigan and was involved in swimming and playing soccer in addition to Irish Dancing,” Molly told us at Helmet Tracker. “When I was choosing a college a couple of years ago I wanted a school with some aspects of sports—a school with a sports culture.”

Touchdown Jesus?

She ended at St. Mary’s College—the all girls’ school across the street from Notre Dame. An open-invitation meeting about working in the football equipment room drew her attention.

“I worked practices in spring of my freshmen year and they picked 13 students to continue. I worked all the home games my sophomore year, and was one of three sophomores to work the Citrus Bowl.”

Molly is one of eight student managers chosen to work her Junior year this fall.

“The unity that sports provides the school is important to me—the whole community being able to rally around a common cause, if you will.”

She grew up attending Notre Dame football games and now has an inside view.

“It was, I don’t even know how to describe it, the first day I walked in it was kind of crazy to see the behind the scenes of everything you see on the field. I was up close and personal—and then the gold helmets—oh my goodness! I couldn’t believe I was touching them!”

“I really enjoy being able to be a part of something so storied,” she said.

Equipment Managers and Instagram

It was an Instagram suggestion that introduced Molly to MOAM.

Molly Hart, Notre Dame student Equipment Manager

“I took a look and saw that they were collecting donations and I looked at their scholarships, but it was the mission trips I was very interested in.”

Her time in Ghana won’t be the first time for her in Africa, but the first time in quite a while. “I was in Kenya in 2010 with my Dad who does stuff with Operation Smile. It was a long time ago but I still remember that when I got home I immediately wanted to do something like that again when I was older.”

Now she is there, feet on the ground with MOAM, starting the first of three weeks with about 100 orphans.

“I am looking forward to not only being able to positively impact these kids lives, but seeing how they will be able to impact our lives,” she said. “I am excited to see how this trip will change me and the others.”

Her teammates hail from Florida International, Indiana Wesleyan, Creighton, and other schools.

Mentoring and Discipling

It is those connections that Drew and MOAM hope will continue and impact each of the Equipment Managers when they return home.

The adjustment after landing in an African orphanage is often easier than coming home after the experience, as Drew explains it.

“Quite honestly those weeks following the trip are the most important and the most challenging. There is a spiritual high and they see the Lord working so powerfully. It’s a mountaintop experience and lots of times you have this feeling that you need to sell everything and move overseas and go be a missionary!”

“We try to focus everyone on what God is doing within them, what He taught you, and where He located you where you are to do specific things. Those who go have the opportunity in the sports industry, a platform, and we can encourage them when they may not see the opportunities for ministry where they are right away.”

Local Service

One way MOAM plans to keep summer short-term missionaries involved is to build a slate of local opportunities to serve. For that, MOAM is piloting programs closer to home. This Fall, groups of student Equipment Manages will lead community programs in their own communities.

“We want to group together the future leaders of sport and have them come up with a service project, something they want to do. We at MOAM will come alongside them and help make it happen with planning, logistics, supplies, donations, whatever is needed,” Drew said.

A pilot program established by the Minnesota basketball managers could replicate across the country. The managers there take a couple hundred dollars worth of quarters to a laundromat and pay for people’s laundry expenses. “It is as important to connect with people in a demographic they maybe have not spent some time with. We see walls break down and friendships form.”

“Our motto for this is Development Through Service and we know that personal development and growth occurs when we are engaged in service. It screams ‘It’s not about you,’” Drew said. “When you are engaged in service, it grows your faith.”

MOAM also intends to more intentionally grow relationships between younger equipment managers and more seasoned MOAM staffers and managers.

“We want to help them navigate those waters. This mentoring allows us to also come beside them in their walk with Christ.”

As for Molly, her life has consisted of football, studies, and “taking a lot of power naps.” No more. For the next three weeks it will be orphans, exploring new surroundings, teaching biblical principles, and no rest.

Follow the group’s trip and experiences here:

Blog: http://www.managersonamission.org/news–blog

Facebook – @MngrsOnAMission

Twitter – @MngrsOnAMission

Instagram – @managers_on_a_mission

Learn more about Managers on a Mission here: http://www.managersonamission.org/

Helmet Tracker is a proud supporter of Managers on a Mission.

Incoming AEMA President Clifton Perry

June 1, 2018 By Jeff Zogg

Helmet Tracker spoke with Clifton Perry a few days after he won election as the new Athletic Equipment Managers Association President. He takes office at the conclusion of Monday's AEMA Members's meeting at the 2018 Convention in Phoenix.

“I am surprised by how many people have reached out to say congratulations,” he said immediately.

Clif found about the AEMA when working his first equipment manager job at a Florida high school where he worked as a teacher.

“I was the youngest coach and that was something the youngest coach had to do,” he said. “If I knew then what I know now, I would fire myself.”

He served the US Naval Academy during a year-long internship, then landed at Princeton in June 2004, where he now serves as Head Equipment Manager.

We found Clif to be fun, but serious about his latest opportunity for leadership.

This interview, both questions and answers, has been edited for clarity.

Tell us about your background?

“I was a high school teacher and coach in South Florida. I taught health, personal fitness, and physical education. I was born in Michigan and raised in South Florida.”

When did you get involved in the AEMA?

“I passed the certification exam in ’03 in Cleveland. I was District 1 Assistant Director in ’06 and ’07, then Director from ’07 through ’14. Then, after running for president against Dan Siermine in ’14, I became Vice President.”

What were the issues you ran on?

“My biggest platform, which was Dan’s (Dan Siermine, outgoing AEMA President) last thing, too, was to get the policies and procedures rewritten—they need to be more up to date.”

“I don’t want to tick anyone off and I am appreciative of where the association is currently—but we aren’t where we need to be. In ’74 when we started out, the guys got together to get to know each other and to help each other out.

“Now, most of us are in charge of well over $1 million in inventory. We are not sock and jock guys anymore.”

What is the most difficult barrier to overcome?

“The hardest part is that each of us is responsible for a lot of things and we aren’t recognized for the work we do. Everyone knows we do laundry, but they need to know about the spreadsheets, paying the bills, those types of things.

“We must change culture within the athletic department to realize that we are just as important as anyone else. I will be working hard in next few years toward getting us as an organization to recognize ourselves as professionals

“There are times we need to be seen as the same level of professionalism as our boss. We need to dress the part, present the part.”

“We need to be treated like the professionals we are. The only way we will get that respect—and the title and the money and everything that goes with it—is that we must look and act the part.”

What specifically do you recommend?

“Wear school gear everywhere, and represent the school. If we want to be treated like professionals, we have got to act like professionals.”

Some say there should be two certifications through the AEMA—one for football only and one more general. What do you think?

“I don’t necessarily disagree with that. Now, you have manufacturers with several different helmets and none of their parts are interchangeable. To be a football guy, you have got to be up on your stuff.

“But there is so much more. How many of our guys know the correct length of a field hockey stick? As an Equipment Manager, I pride myself on equipping every sport.

“I wonder if it really a good thing to separate the football guys out from the rest of the equipment manager? Football coaches are gaining more power over their entire staffs and more and more they want their own Equipment Manger to stay with them. Then, suddenly someone shows up in the equipment room who needs to know about field hockey suddenly.

“At the end of the day, are we Equipment Managers or are we football Equipment Managers. Obviously a lot of questions for that.

How many sports do you oversee at Princeton?

“Thirty-eight sports. That’s myself, two full time, and two part time Equipment Managers.

What about student managers?

“There are no student managers here. The students are more focused on their careers. However, we do have 10 girls who do laundry.

What else do you intend to work on as AEMA President?

“Well, certification is not required everywhere. Some schools that don’t require it. We see so many ads for an Equipment Manager job and they don’t require certification. Applicants for the job may or may not be up to date with the latest. What are we doing to make the certification viable from the standpoint that you want to keep it?

“We have a lot of people who get certified, but then don’t keep it so we need to figure out the value of it to continue.”

What else will you focus on?

“We have more than 1,200 members, but I’m not sure that we had like 500 people vote in the election. Same with the convention. Why is there only 500 or less there? We need to offer more to get more people.”

What do you enjoy about your job as Equipment Manager?

“The thing I enjoy the most about the job is the relationships you develop with the kids. It keeps you young. The kids I have experienced at Navy and at Princeton have been great kids and being around them makes my job more fun and easier.”