Kevin Killeen
Killeen.Kevin@wgecho.org
Since his freshman year, Senior Nathan Grobe has been filling water bottles, helping run practices and putting up with Head Basketball coach Jay Blossom as manager of the Men’s Basketball team.
“He’s been a big part of our program for four years,” said Blossom. “He’s extremely dependable, trustworthy and a good guy to have around.”
Now, as Grobe prepares for college, he considers the idea of managing for Mizzou under Blossom’s recommendation.
“[Blossom] said he’d write me a letter of recommendation, which would carry a lot of weight because he’s one of the best high school coaches out there,” said Grobe.
Grobe said the only thing keeping him from fully committing to a college managing position at this point is the time commitment it would take.
“It’s a huge commitment and it takes a lot of time out of your schedule,” said Grobe. “I’d have to figure out if I can balance both academics and managing.”
Regardless of whether he decides to pursue managing in college, Grobe said he’s learned a lot from his title.
“I’ve learned how to work under pressure and deal with different people and how to be yelled at and not take it personally. In a way, it’s sort of taught me how to stand up for myself,” said Grobe.
Grobe recalls one of his favorite memories managing the team, where he had to take a big stand for himself.
Last year, at a University City game, he accidently filled the water bottles with “gross Gatorade” and Blossom threw the water bottle at him. They got into it and started a shouting match while the team continued to play the fourth quarter. Grobe says he eventually just walked out and slammed the door behind him.
“If he’s not mean to you, it means he doesn’t like you very much,” said Grobe. “I’ve learned that what ever he gives you, you’ve got to give right back to him.”
