Friday nights at a high school basketball game are about more than just the scoreboard. They’re filled with the buzz of the crowd, time spent with friends and family, and the familiar trip to the concession stand for candy and popcorn. But behind every game you enjoy week after week is a group of people working hard to make it all possible. Have you ever stopped to think about who they are?
Meet Ryne Hilgendorf and Noah Presley, The HSE Boys Basketball Senior Managers. Ryne is a Senior here at Hamilton Southeastern and first started managing in 7th grade at HIJH. When asked what encouraged his journey, Hilgendorf stated,
“Originally, I started managing because I thought it would be something fun to do and spend more time with my friends. However, it became so much more and I’m so happy I decided to keep doing it.”
Hilgendorf then continued with this passion throughout 8th grade, and then once he got to HSE as a freshman, he asked to manage the freshmen team since he already had a connection with the head coach Jason Young, father of now senior and Varsity starter Maverick Young. After his freshman year, Hilgendorf was asked by head coach John Ashworth to manage the JV and Varsity teams next year, and Hilgendorf has been doing it ever since.
“So in summary this is something I’ve been doing for 6 total years now and has been one of the best things I’ve ever done.” Hilgendorf stated.
Senior Noah Presley had a similar uprising, as his journey started when he originally did not make the basketball team. Despite this setback, Coach Ashworth asked him if he wanted to be the team manager. Presley went home to talk with his family and then decided to pursue the role. Presley exclaims that
“Since then I fell in love with it and kept doing it ever since”.
A Manager for a high school Basketball team has a ton of responsibilities in order for the game/practice to run its course. On gamedays, their responsibilities depend on whether they are home or away. If they are home, they would usually just come in early and lay out all the jerseys so the guys can be ready to go when they come in. If they have an away game, they also set out the jerseys, but need to make sure everything is packed and ready to go on the bus. The Managers always make sure everyone has their water bottle, and have enough basketballs for warmups. There’s also lots of little things they make sure to pack like towels and boards. During the game, the two are responsible for handing guys their waters and making sure they always have enough. Also make sure coach has a chair during timeouts and occasionally have to film the game or run the book at the table. Most importantly, they do their best to provide energy on the end of the bench to give our guys the best chance at winning.
When asked what their favorite memory has been as a Basketball Manager, they both answered the same. Each of their favorite memory is going to the Homestead Holiday tournament, which the team later won the whole thing. Getting to do an overnight trip with the guys and getting to have meals together and play a few games was so much fun. They always enjoy getting to travel with the guys and spend time getting closer on the bus rides.
Ryan and Noah positively exclaim that “I would absolutely recommend managing a team if you are interested. I know most of the managers on every team at HSE, and I’ve heard only good things about everyone’s experience. It’s a great way to grow closer to a sport you love while also getting free team gear, admissions to all games, and meals. I would especially encourage anyone to become a manager for the basketball team as Noah and I will be graduating, and Coach Allen would love to have more managers in the future. Definitely a positive experience that I strongly recommend.”
Now next time that you are sitting at a game while the crowd cheers for the players under the lights, it’s the team managers ,working quietly on the sidelines, who make sure the game can go on.
