The Justice

Media Credit: David Sheppard-Brick

Sporting a matching suit and tie, Gabe Marwell '10 sits at the table between the two benches during men's basketball home games. As the Judges' team manager, one of his jobs is to make sure the clock starts on time.

Ever since he initially expressed interest in the position as a first-year by walking into coach Brian Meehan's office, Marwell has developed a deep connection to the team. So while he performs his duties, he also shares the crowd's cheers when the Judges make a key play and grumbling when a call goes against the Judges.

"I'm surprised I haven't [received a technical foul] already," he jokes.

Marwell and Talisa Torres '10, the women's team's manager, do not don Brandeis basketball jerseys or provide players with coaching tips, yet they play a major role in the daily operations for their respective teams. As they both enter their third year on the job, they say they have as much stake in their teams' success as the players and coaches.

"I wasn't sure how into it I was going to get coming into college," Marwell says. "[Now], I love being around the guys, I love spending hours at the gym; it's been enjoyable."

"There's no words to describe how invested I get," Torres says. "Even in practice, I know their plays because I've seen them so much."

The two share many tasks. Both are expected to be at all practices on time. Both keep track of time during practice, ensuring that everything moves smoothly, and both make sure the team has enough food on road trips.

But the two also go beyond the call of duty to fill in where necessary. At the beginning of last season, the men's squad learned that the person who normally sings the national anthem before home games was going to study abroad. Marwell, who sang in a choir in high school, volunteered to fill the void and sang for the rest of the season.

Even on short notice, Marwell's singing caught the eye of his coach.

"He sings the song the way it is meant to be sung," Meehan says. "He sings it quickly and clearly. I love it."

One of Torres' contributions last season may not have been apparent on the surface, but the women's team's players nonetheless noticed her impact. The Judges closed last season against New York University likely needing a win to have a chance at a National Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament at-large bid. Before the game, Torres pasted a copy of a team picture and a choice inspirational quote on a piece of construction paper to give to each player. The Judges went out and defeated the Violets to secure their third straight NCAA Tournament berth.

Continued...

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