Marc Hohorst, University of Memphis Equipment Mgr.: Memphis TN
All of us, at one point in time, have had trouble keeping up with our “stuff”! Sometimes, it may be our car keys, and other times it may be our socks and underwear! No matter our age or lot in life, organization is something we all contend with. Now… try keeping up with “stuff” for 150 people! Not only 150 people, but 150 college athletes, coaches, and staff who are constantly on the go, traveling, practicing, playing and changing clothes a half dozen times a day!!! Each of them having practice gear, pre-game clothes, game clothes (sometimes 5 different sets), not to mention all the unmentionables! Where do you put all that stuff, and how do you keep it straight?
Marc Hohorst has that enviable task for the University of Memphis and its football program. The Memphis Tigers football team has become an emerging power in the American Athletic Conference as well as on a national level. With all of the attention on the Tiger football team, another aspect of the program has begun to receive national attention as well… their uniforms! Memphis has become a trend setter when it comes helmet and jersey combinations as they very rarely wear the same thing twice in a season. There are approximately 6-7 jersey tops, 3-4 different pants, and at least 6-8 different helmet options for the Head Coach to choose from each week. Now, if you multiply that times nearly 130 players, the numbers get mind boggling! You simply must have space and organization!
Memphis was faced with not only with a space issue, but how to keep all of that gear organized, and quickly accessible. The solution was a storage/shelving system known as Mobile Shelving. This well-designed set of sliding shelves allows Hohorst to condense many rows of equipment and clothing into a much smaller space without the need for standard spacing. Each section of shelves moves along a track system allowing for easy and quick access, while at the same time, provides a clean and tidy look when closed. Not only is the equipment organized in a more efficient way, it can be protected from pilfering hands that may find their way into the equipment room unauthorized.
“We found this system to be a real game changer for our busy program. It allows us to keep up with our different uniform and equipment combinations much easier, as well as all of our practice gear. Each group of our team has their own section and it makes things so much faster to retrieve”, says Hohorst. “I would definitely recommend this solution to anyone who has a lot to keep up with but is limited on space.”
In addition to their space issue, the equipment department at Memphis faced another problem… transporting all of their gear and other “stuff” around the various buildings and practice facilities. “The Lilly Company was able to provide us with a specialized, Memphis Tigers branded cart that makes our lives a lot easier! Carrying around team football equipment and gear is cumbersome, heavy and slow. Without our cart from the Lilly Company, those two-a-day practices in the summer are unbearable!!”, says Hohorst. “Plus… It looks great!!!”
Here’s a look at their customized personnel/equipment carrier:
