Behind The Scenes

With over 100 athletes listed on the football team in one way or another keeping track of all the equipment would be an absolutely incredible task. Taking care of laundry is one thing. Seeing each player is suited up and ready to go is something entirely different. Every player typically is covered from head to toe with some sort of equipment on game day for maximum allowed protection. That task would begin long before that particular matchup. Such an individual would be required to order and schedule delivery of customized jerseys (both practice and gameday); helmets, arm bands, mouthguards, chin straps, gloves, skull caps (do-rags), facemasks, shoulder pads, cleats, etc months in advance. The equipment manager would be required to keep extras on hand and know how to make product repairs on site in a moments notice (allowing the player to be available and ready to go for the maximum amount of time). Your equipment manager would need to know the players and their certain preferences as well. Such an individual for the Cougs is Mick Hill who has been with the department since 1981. Mick even has to manage all the logistics (travel time for away games) and road inventory with backup plans in advance. Next time you see the Cougars all decked out in their gear from head to toe don't forget to give a high five to the guy behind the scenes who made it all possible.