I wear many hats at my small, southern liberal arts college. I have been fortunate enough to be a student athlete, a member of Student Government, a board member on a number of intra-institutional programs, etc. One day out of the year, I set all of those aside to fulfill what I believe to be my most impactful role in my college community. I step onto the field, not as an athlete or a referee, but something much more complex and important: ball boy.

Part of the duties of being on the baseball team is to, once a year, volunteer at a football game in one capacity or another. Some guys help sell tickets, some coordinate parking, but the grittiest of us find ourselves on the sidelines slinging pig skin. The referees bring all four of us together to explain the specifics: when to throw them a new ball, when to exchange balls, where to stand and run when the ball is in play, etc. The game is exhilarating from that point of view; I have a newfound appreciation and respect for college football players. The players on both sides are more than welcoming when it comes to our presence on the field with them, and sometimes we even exchange some playful banter.

The skills of a ball boy are certainly not limited in nature. Any man worth his salt on the sidelines can rugby-toss that sucker 20+ yards to a swiftly moving referee down field. The eyes of a ball boy are sharp, aware, and all-seeing. Only the best can bounce and weave their way through the traffic of sidelined players while transitioning from play to play. Ball boys can also be good luck. For example, my presence on the sidelines led to my school's first appearance on Sports Center's Top 10 plays.

The next time you're at a football game, take a break from the action to notice the valiant efforts of the foot soldiers behind the scenes. Tip your cap, or give them a friendly hello, because the ball boys are what make the action happen.