Where Are They Now- Equipment Manager Jake Bywater
September 5, 2013 - Arena Football League (AFL)
New Orleans VooDoo News Release
NEW ORLEANS (September 5, 2013) - Vital to the safety and success of a football team, the equipment manager is responsible for much more than just managing equipment.
Possibly one of the most underestimated jobs in all sports is the job of an equipment manager. VooDoo Equipment Manager Jake Bywater learned all too quickly that his job entailed a little more time and effort than he originally thought.
"I don't think a lot of people realize that the first to show up and the last to leave really is the life of an equipment manager," said Bywater.
Bywater, originally from the San Francisco Bay area, first began his venture into sports by getting involved with PLAYNOLA. PLAYNOLA is a provider of recreational sports leagues which aims to provide active individuals in New Orleans fun, athletic and social event options to engage in after work and on weekends. After playing in a couple of leagues, Bywater started coordinating and managing the leagues for PLAYNOLA.
Bywater first came into contact with the New Orleans VooDoo through the efforts of PLAYNOLA and the VooDoo to create a charity flag football event called "Preauxs vs Jeauxs" to benefit a local charity. During the second annual "Preauxs vs. Jeauxs," Bywater was confronted about an opening in an equipment manager job for the VooDoo. A few months later, Bywater accepted the job and was quickly welcomed into the VooDoo family.
"I was involved in sports management already in coordinating and managing leagues for PLAYNOLA," said Bywater. "I figured the transfer would be smooth."
After hours and hours of cleaning dirty laundry, preparing the locker rooms and ensuring the safety of the player's equipment, Bywater finally had time to reflect on his experience.
"I had a lot of fun, I think there were a lot more work and hours than I had originally anticipated," said Bywater. "I did enjoy traveling and being around football every day and the players and coaches."
Although the VooDoo's season has come to an end, high school football is in full swing. Bywater is entering his second year as a part of the Louisiana High Schools Officials Association (LHSOA). Bywater works as a deep official, either as a field judge, a side judge, or a back judge.
"I think Being a part of PLAYNOLA and the VooDOo and being around football so much has made be more comfortable as a high school football official'" said Bywater. "I've seen a lot of snaps, routes and blocking."
You can catch Bywater at his next game on Friday, September 6 when Belle Chasse High School faces off against South Plaquemines High School at 7 p.m. CT.
Some other familiar faces may be seen on the sidelines of high school football games. VooDoo Head Athletic Trainer Patrick Maloney serves as an athletic trainer for the Friday night high school football games. Through the Tulane Institute of Sports Medicine, Maloney aids to the athletes of the Orleans Parish recovery school district. Maloney also serves as a liaison to these schools checking on the medical status of the athletes. Also, VooDoo Director of Media Relations Hayley Asaro will be handling the sideline reporting for the Cox 4 High School Football Game of the Week. Catch the trio under the Friday Night Lights around the Greater New Orleans Area.
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Arena Football League Stories from September 5, 2013
- Where Are They Now- Equipment Manager Jake Bywater - New Orleans VooDoo
- Storm Name Lawrence Samuels Head Coach - Tampa Bay Storm
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