The Men Behind the Scene

An integral part of any athletic team in the University is a small group of undergraduates known as managers. Every task which is necessary to the successful running of a team is performed by them, with the exception of playing and coaching which they delegate to individuals whose time is freer than theirs.

While the players are basking in off-season peace and quiet, the managers are hard at work drawing up schedules for next year, arranging for and publicizing pre-season meetings, discussing with the coach and captain any particular improve ments or services for the coming season, and soliciting funds for the spring trip or its equivalent.

Once the season has begun, the manager's tasks increase rapidly. Arrangements must be made for all away games. Transportation, lodging, and meals must be planned and paid for well in advance of the trips.

Equipment and supplies must be checked at the beginning of the season and accounted for during the season. The managers also carry out the many administrative tasks connected with their teams, such as running daily practice and game routines and compiling the necessary records which they must memorize for the coaches' reference.

The varsity managers, however, do not just appear ready for the job at the beginning of each season. They are brought up by degrees from their freshman or sophomore years in competitive tryouts.

The freshman competition introduces the Yardlings to the simple managerial tasks, acquainting them with the workings of the system, and gradually building them up to the full responsibility of a manager. The competition also helps to get the numerous managerial jobs done and sorts out the capable men. The winner of this tryout takes over as freshman manager for the Yale game and receives his numerals.

In the sophomore competition, anyone is eligible to compete except in football, where only the top men from the previous year's freshman competition are eligible. This tryout places increased responsibility on the candidates to ready the winners for the three top managing posts.

The leading candidate becomes Assistant Manager in his Junior year and automatically becomes Head Manager in his Senior year. The second and third men in the competition serve as J.V. and freshman managers, respectively, during their Junior years.

All the work and competition are not without rewards, however. The practical business and administrative experience is valuable by itself.

The managers also perform a service for the University, by doing some of the administrative work for the Athletic Association.

Of course, there is one thing about managing which should interest almost anyone. It is full of surprises. Right now, rumor has it that the varsity baseball team might play exhibitions in Japan during the summer of 1957. Assistant manager Newton Hyslop '57, next year's manager is already arranging for the purchase of kimonos for the entire squad.