Team manager adds new dimension

You won't see a record by his name, or even proof of him having played. He works about three and a half hours a day, six days a week and cleans out the grubby water jugs, shags tennis balls and destroys the strings on the rackets, then, restrings them. These are just a few of the duties performed by junior Brian Van Handle, team manager of the IU men's tennis team. He seldom gets noticed, but the team would be at a loss without him.\nMinus Van Handle, the players would have to perform his job. That would detract from their athletic and academic responsibilities and eventually the success of the team both on and off the court. \nVan Handle, a business major, is in his third year as manager. He has played tennis since middle school and enjoys the sport immensely.\n"I really wanted to play college tennis and I could have played at a smaller school, yet I wanted to go to IU," Van Handle said. "This way, I can still be a part of tennis."\nA tremendous amount of time -- solid time -- is devoted by Van Handle. He's there before and after practice and is present at every home match where he prepares the court for competition. He fills and refills the players' water jugs, and for inside matches, he posts the individual scores and the team results of matches. Outdoors, if there's dirt or leaves on the court, he has to clean it up. In addition, he serves as the announcer at all home contests.\n"He's out there more than the players are, except in the weight room," Coach Ken Hydinger said. "He calls up early asking what we need on the court. His anticipation skills are extremely good, and his work ethic is even better."\nSenior Milan Rakvica said Van Handle acts like one of the coaches on the court. Rakvica said he hits balls to the players in practice just like the other coaches, and he's constantly picking up balls. \nHydinger said he loves his manger's attitude and perspective on his job. \n"I'm sure he's had bad days," Hydinger said. "But I've never seen Brian in a bad mood." \nAmong his other work, Van Handle, a native of Greenwood, Ind., helps with practice when the Hoosiers (6-14, 0-8) are on the road, because not all the players travel. Only the players who are slated to play travel with the team.\nThe players recognize his dedication and know they would be at a disadvantage without him. Rakvica said he respects Van Handle and said all the guys notice his service. \n"He's a big part of the team," Rakvica said. "He takes care of us and our things. We would really like to thank him."\nThe players treat Van Handle as if he was just another player on the team, a player who does more than his fair share of work. He said he gets along well with the players and remains close friends with some of them, adding that there are no differences between himself and any Hoosier player. He receives a partial scholarship, but said that's not his motivation. \n "If I wasn't doing athletics, I would have a part-time job, and I wouldn't be having as much fun," he said. "I love to have fun and be a part of athletics at the same time."\n After next year, when Van Handle is scheduled to graduate, the team will have to find a replacement. A job that will not be easy.\n"Hopefully, we will have somebody with him next year, that way he can show him how to do the job," Hydinger said. "Over the years, we have been blessed to have incredible managers at IU"