In every organization there is a support system that makes life easier for those in charge.
The Ohio State men’s basketball team is no different and much of its support comes from their student managers, who devote countless hours and effort to helping reduce the stress players and coaches endure throughout a rigorous, five-month season.
Dover native and 2023 Crimson Tornado graduate Ben Hamm is one of those student managers.
Hamm, a standout player for Dover High School boys basketball coach Bob Von Kaenel, is in his first year as a student manager.
“This is my first year doing this at Ohio State,” said Hamm, a son of Matt and Heather Hamm. “Luckily, Coach Von Kaenel has a lot of connections, so that’s how I got introduced to the job.”
“I, along with the other managers, attend every practice setting things up and doing whatever the coaches need from us to keep the practices running smooth,” said Hamm.
The student manager also works every game performing various tasks to assist in any way they can.
“Specifically, for me, I was in charge of mopping up the court when the players fell or the court got slick on game days,” said Hamm. “As a first-year student manager, I was also able to go on one road trip to Minnesota and Michigan State.”
“I was extremely fortunate for this trip because I got to witness the buzzer beater that silenced the crowd at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.”
Hamm, who is majoring in Health Sciences, said the position is a permanent gig for as long as he wants to be a student manager.
“Overall, this has been a phenomenal experience for me getting to meet new people and stay involved with high-level athletics,” said Hamm.
Ohio State is on to the quarterfinals in the National Invitation Tournament.
The No. 2 seeded Buckeyes defeated No. 3 Virginia Tech 81-73 in the second round of the NIT last Saturday, extending their season another game.
Ohio State will play Georgia in the Elite Eight tonight in Columbus.
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