And then there are aspects of the program that are just as important, but are done behind the scenes.

Enter Ryan Willis.

The lone team manager this season, the Eisenhower senior not only is responsible for game-day operations, but he is also a daily presence at practice, a role that is not lost on Knights head coach Jim Penley.

“We run our practices like a college program, which requires a lot of Ryan’s time in setting up and moving equipment around for drills,” Penley said. “But, without hesitation, the most important job Ryan has is to film practice. I can’t even guess how many times he’s climbed up and down that scaffolding.”

Times Observer Photo by Steve Younger Eisenhower senior Ryan Willis films a recent Knights football practice in Russell.

From that perch, Willis, who has been the varsity manager for the last five years after one season for the junior high, captures it all on video. He’s also the go-to guy for tape, water bottles, pads, braces, footballs and medical kits.

“Ryan is a tremendous young man whose love for his school and football team are just phenomenal,” Penley said. “To come out day after day and do the work that we ask of him in the rain and sometimes even the snow shows the dedication he has for the job.”

A soft-spoken young man, Willis said his favorite part of being team manager has “probably been watching the guys improve since their freshman season.”

Eisenhower enters this weekend’s game sporting a 7-0 record.

Willis, who is quick to send the credit elsewhere, arrives at practice each day willing to assist in any way possible, even though his father has been battling some health concerns.

Times Observer Photo by Steve Younger Eisenhower senior Ryan Willis films a recent Knights football practice in Russell.

“Ryan is an indispensable part of what we do to make this program as successful as it is,” Penley said.

As Willis was being interviewed for this story, he had to excuse himself when one of the players yelled, “Willis, where’s the kicking tee?”

Just another day in the life of a team manager, right?