Makayla Cook, senior, was in strength training when Coach Charles Malloy asked her to be the varsity football manager. 

Cook told him, “I’m not doing it without Kayla,” and now Kayla Gifford, senior, and Cook are the current football managers.

 The two said they don’t have difficult jobs, but they have to do extra work during the first five games of the season. Due to the heat at the start of the season, they must fill up water bottles, bring players iced towels and make sure players have water breaks.

The Missouri State High School Athletic Association (MSHSAA) requires water breaks during the midpoint of each quarter for the first couple games. 

“We basically just help the players and team out so the coaches can worry about the game,” Gifford said. Although Cook and Gifford have had to deal with sick and angry players and players during a losing game, being football managers has had its perks.

 From free access to games to free merchandise, the girls are okay with sacrificing a couple of hours each Friday and occasionally time during practices. 

Because the managers have to be on the field for the entire game, Cook and Gifford also have a sideline view.

 “I mean it’s nice seeing the game up close but you can’t really see all of it,” Gifford said. “I definitely miss being in the stands.”

 Erin Sullenger, director of football operations, said she hasn’t worked directly with the managers, but they fulfill several important roles for the team. Sometimes the managers run the drones to take video, provide water at timeouts or help get equipment out at practices.

 “A lot of times, these students have a prior relationship with one of the coaches, usually through a P.E. course,” Sullenger said, “The coaches are always looking for students who are organized, on-time, dependable, and have a lot of school spirit.”