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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Behind the Sideline Scenes
10/1/2007 | Football
By Whitney Tarpy
Athletics Media Relations Student Assistant
They can be seen on the Ole Miss sideline at every football game.
They can be seen at the practice field helping with drills and taking care of the players.
They are the ones who help the players get better, stay healthy and look good.
They are the student managers and trainers for the Ole Miss Football team.
The students' names may not be as widely known as the players, but the time, work and effort each of the managers and trainers put in for practices and game days makes them just as much a part of the team.
Responsibilities vary for each of the jobs as well as the individuals. For the managers, most take care of the helmets, shoulder pads, clothes and things they will need for practice; however, they also each have their own duties like junior Thomas Rawson and senior Chris Jones work with offensive line coach Art Kehoe while Jones also makes sure that the cleats have the white laces that head coach Ed Orgeron wants.
One of the managers, senior Andrew McDowell, is assigned specifically to organizing game jerseys. Lined up by color, size and number, McDowell checks that everyone who will be dressing on game day has the right jersey waiting for him in his locker while also keeping the jerseys looking as good as new.
"After the game, we take them up and we spray them with shout," McDowell said. "As soon as we get back from a trip, it may be one or two in the morning, but we wash them. Then the next day, I have to check for rips and tears or anything like that and take them to the alterations to get fixed."
Most of the student managers on staff are male. There are, however, two females that are specifically assigned to do laundry and two others that help in various tasks. Senior Jennifer Langford notes the only real difference is that they do not having to carry heavy objects. That does not stop her from doing her share of hard work.
"It just depends on your personality, but I like being out on the field," Langford said. "I don't mind the sweat and the difficulty. So it's no big deal for me."
From taping ankles and wrists before practices and games to keeping the players hydrated and helping with rehab, the trainers also have vital responsibilities to the team. On the sidelines and watching the players' every move, the trainers are running on the field when someone gets injured.
"We are in here pretty much from 1 to 6 p.m. every day," senior Chris McCrory said. "We make sure the players get everything they need."
Before they begin their official duties with two-a-day practices, the students get training to learn how to do various jobs and prepare them for the possible things they might see injury-wise. However, seeing things like Jason Cook break his arm or Michael Spurlock's broken finger can catch anyone off guard.
"You are somewhat mentally prepared for it, but it's still kind of shocking," senior Edward Waller said.
From the time both student managers and trainers spend around the football team, there is no doubt that they learn different things about the players and the game.
"When you are out there for two-a-days, you are out there for 12 hours, and you get to know people real well," McCrory said. "You may not want to, but you are up there all day, so you'll talk to and get to know the players."
"A lot of the time you are just sitting and watching, so you can learn a lot of stuff," Waller added. "I think I could coach the defensive line right now."
The time spent working for the team can also put a dent in the students' social life. However, junior manager John Mark Henderson, who organizes the players' game pants for the team, said that the lack of extra time helps him to keep his priorities straight.
"I like it because it helps you structure your time," he said. "You do this all day, and you know you have to go home and get your homework done. It really helps you structure your day. You're not wasting time because you don't have time to waste."
The effort put forth from the managers and trainers does have its benefits. One thing that most of the students like is the progressive scholarship. They get a little their first year and it increases with each year of working to where it eventually pays full tuition and full room and board.
"You get all the clothes too," senior trainer Josh Hamilton said. "It's nice. I haven't bought a pair of tennis shoes since I have been here And just being around football for me is enjoyable."
"You get to travel to different stadiums and see all the stadiums in the SEC," added senior manager Josh Brown, one of the student managers who works closely with Orgeron.
Another perk that could make any Ole Miss fan jealous and one of Waller's favorite things about being a trainer is getting the police escort and walking down the Walk of Champions.
"A lot of people wish they could do that," he said. "We put in the work and the time and the energy, so it's a nice payback. It makes it worth it."
So next time the Rebels score a big touchdown or make a huge play on defense, these students will know they played a part in making it happen, even if it is behind the scenes.