As the boys’ Varsity basketball team steps onto the court, the main gym erupts in cheers, music, and applause. The boys strip off their warm up suits and the Panther Pit crowds together to chant the standard pre-game cheer of “I Believe That We Will Win!” All the while, senior Robert Smith, the manager of the boys’ Varsity basketball team, moseyes over to the bench with the water supply and several encouraging, optimistic shouts. A hard working and dedicated manager, Smith is usually found helping the team behind the scenes; however, for the Potomac Falls-Freedom game, he will be out helping the team directly on the court.

For several years, it has been a tradition within Panther basketball to allow dedicated senior male managers to play one game at the end of the season. For this particular year, only one new name will be added to the roster since Smith is the only senior male manager aiding the team. Nevertheless, the opportunity for this experience has allowed for Smith to be in the spotlight and enjoy the final days as a manager for the team.

“I knew it [playing] was probably going to happen, but it wasn’t really a reality until Coach [Hawes, the varsity head coach] said, ‘Hey do you want to play in a game?’ Since then I’ve been thinking about it a ton. I’ve not been able to sleep at night.  What’s going to happen in this game? I’m really hoping good things, but I haven’t played basketball in an actual game in a really long time. I’m probably not going to do as well as I hope, but the dream is to score, and I’m going to shoot a lot,” said Smith.

With the excitement of playing in a varsity basketball game, there also comes the requirements the school sets forth. Even though Smith is only planning on playing one game of basketball, the same requirements of a regular, full time winter athlete apply.

“I had to get my physical and fill out the sports paperwork and get it together, but it was worth it. I’m really looking forward to playing with the rest of the guys. It’s something special, it’s a part of Panther basketball. I don’t think anyone else does it [this special situation]. ” said Smith.

After scattering to perform the typical athletic requirements, the manager turned player had to participate in what a regular winter athlete daily endures: practice.

“I got to practice Monday [2/3/2014] with the team. It was tough, but it was a good time. Coach Hawes said I’ll probably be able to practice again and dress out on Thursday [2/6/2014] as well,” said Smith.

After a few hours of practice, preparation, and receiving jersey number 40, the extreme excitement for the game only intensified. With the excitement comes the added feeling of appreciation, the main goal of the event. Even with this special opportunity, Smith has previously felt significant appreciation from his fellow student body as much on the sidelines as if he were in the game.

“Thank you, most of all to the Panther Pit. I really appreciate the MVP chants, even as a manager. I work hard and I’m glad that my hard work is going noticed and I really appreciate that.”

Although Smith may not start in the game, or possibly play at all, depending on the scoreboard, the point of his playing is to reward him for his hard work and show the whole school how appreciated he truly is.

“If the game is close, I’m not going to play because the best interest for the team is to win, not to get me playing time. Honestly, I could care less if I get to play; I’m just glad that I get to warm up and wear the uniform. I’m really excited about that. I hope the team wins first and foremost,” said Smith. “I still feel really lucky, really blessed. I’ve been working really hard, not for the purpose of playing in a game, but to keep the behind the scene stuff sharp so that the team can focus on winning. I’m glad I’m getting the chance to make a memory.”