Whether you’ve watched the movie “The Benchwarmers” and laughed your way through it, or you’ve actually been in Clark and Richie’s shoes, we’ve all heard the expression “benchwarmer” before.
But what’s it like to be someone who doesn’t get playing time, and what’s the coach thinking when they have to make those decisions? “Number one is just being as good as they can in their role,” said head football coach Todd Rice.

The coaches are the controllers. They decide every play, who their starters are and who won’t play as much. Sophomore Cooper McIntosh, a JV football player, seems to understand better than others might. “I’m not as skilled as other players, there’s definitely some players that are better than I am,” McIntosh said.

However, it’s not just football players that feel this way. It goes the same way for anything; if you play chess and think you should compete at a higher level, or you worked hard for a promotion in your career, that doesn’t guarantee that you’ll receive the position you’ve fought for. “I put in my time with tryouts and morning conditioning. I went to all of that and some people didn’t and they got more playing time than me,” said sophomore Kilee Sauer, who plays soccer.

Despite their current playing time, these athletes show up to every practice. They spend every summer morning in the weight room, just hoping to fill that spot in the game and prove a point to everyone that they are better than before. “I went to the weights this whole summer and I’m pretty sure I’m better than I was last year. I’m not mad about not playing varsity, but I hardly ever play on JV,” said McIntosh.
The word attitude seems to come up a lot. In classes, meetings, job interviews, but probably the most at home with your parents.

“There’s worse attitudes and they [other players] are not too mad they’re not playing but they’re definitely not trying as hard as they could,” said McIntosh.
Energy is also a factor for starting athletes, something to help other players get ready and motivated. “A lot of the times it’s just the guys that are really good energy people, making others better around them,” said Rice.

Playing in the game environment, with your adrenaline pumping and your nerves causing tension in your body is a feeling people live for.

For the benchwarmers of the world, it’s important not to lose hope. You are needed, even if you play one mintue and 30 seconds it still matters, your still part of that team.

“It’s just persistence and successful people just keep pushing through. Sometimes you don’t see success today, but it leads to good habits that bring success down the road,” said Rice.