For the past 26 games, sophomore Tommy Stolpestad has been managing the Spartan Boys Varsity Hockey team from the sidelines. Stolpestad began managing the team during the 2017-18 season after some of the varsity hockey players convinced him to join the team.

“I started at the beginning of the season because some of the guys on the team said I should do it, and that it would be fun,” Stolpestad said.

When he can, Stolpestad joins the team for practice and fills up their water bottles. Games are similar: Stolpestad fills up bottles whenever a player needs it, and films the game for the players and coaches to watch the next day. Stolpestad is not alone when managing the varsity team. He began the season with senior Erik Quilopa as a his co-manager, and along the way, junior Riley Tietel joined him.

“It’s really fun having Riley with me since we’re good friends from the football season,” Stolpestad said.

Since Stolpestad plays football during the fall sports season and baseball during the spring season, managing hockey is the perfect way for Stolpestad to spend the winter.

“I love managing. My favorite part is hanging out with the boys during the team dinners every Friday night,” he said.

As the team’s 2017-18 season ends, Stolpestad has begun thinking about his next season with the team.

“I’m going to manage next year, and probably my senior year too,” Stolpestad said.