A True Path, Not An Alternative

Matt Lachs is a senior sociology major at Temple University in the College of Liberal Arts, and is in his fourth season on the Owl's Men's Basketball Team as a manager.
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We see it too often: people who can't cut it as a player are appointed as, or opt to become a manager to cut their losses. However, that's not actually what happened to me. Managing is truly my path. I wasn't an athletic child, but I was passionate about being part of a sports team without wearing a uniform. That's how I became a manager.

To me, being a manager is more than having a label of "waterboy", "towel boy", "ball boy", "scorer and timer", or "bench warmer". Yes, we do these things, but it isn't really what the job is about. Being a manager is being just as dedicated as a player, but fulfilling a different role to ensure that all is taken care of for your team. It's no glamorous role, mind you, but it's an important one, and that's what I've done my whole career.

My career began my sophomore year at Lower Merion High School. I was approached by the varsity basketball coach, who saw potential in me as a manager. I first declined, citing my commitment to mock trial, an activity I had been part of since my freshman year of high school. However, I was reoffered the position once mock trial had ended, and I was picked up for the playoffs that year. Ten years to the day that Kobe Bryant hoisted the state championship trophy in 1996, Lower Merion did the same that year. I was asked to return the following year, where I honed my skills as a manager, and perfected them. I took on dedication level most players would ideally take, and I saw that college basketball was a true calling for me. I knew I always wanted to attend a large school, but not only for basketball purposes. In the end, aiming high in school and hoops allowed me to shoot for the ultimate prize: a Division I basketball manager position. I hit the target cleanly and I stand roughly twenty four hours away from my senior season at Temple University, a well-rounded team manager, who will commit his final season to excellence and nothing less.

There are many things to say about being a manager, but I'll leave the immortal John Wooden to summarize what this job is really about. Wooden said "It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen". What that means as a manager, someone has to ensure that the little things occur and that they are done effectively, efficiently, and timely. We do just that, and we faithfully and thoughtfully commit ourselves to doing what our team needs from us to ensure winning occurs. We may not have a glamorous life, but we have one that does not go unappreciated.

As we prepare ourselves for the upcoming season, I wish all of you good luck, and dedicate yourself to being the best manager your team will have. If you play Temple, feel free to contact me (especially if you're one of our guests this year).