Ken Crain (@kencrain)
Equipment Manager
Ole Miss Football (@olemissfbequip)
Ken Crain is the Equipment Manager for the Ole Miss Rebels Football team. Ken has been at Ole Miss for 22 years, 3 as a Student Manager and 19 full time. Ken has been married to his wife Allison for 13 years and they have 2 daughters, Sabrina (16) and Kennedy (7).
What attracted you to becoming an Equipment Manager?
"I have been around football since I was 5 years old when my step father coached. I knew I couldn't play football so it was a good way to be around the sport. Also, I got a scholarship my second year into the program."
What are some benefits to being a Student Manager?
"Being on the sideline for games, the people you meet as a student, being involved in the sport scholarship money toward tuition. Some of the students have worked for me have been around Eli Manning and Patrick Willis. Also, several have gone on to work in the NFL."
What are some of the hurdles for you as you live out your faith in the equipment room/athletics?
"Missing out on some family events or missing out on some events my kids are involved in."
How has the Lord helped you throughout your career?
"I have been in the same place for many years. He has given me strength to embrace all the change involved in athletics. I probably worry too much about things and He helps me to relax."
How important is it for us, as believers, to live out our faith in the sports industry?
"Very important. Sports changes people's lives and we set examples for people to follow. It is very rewarding when someone who worked for you comes back and thanks you for helping/believing in them. It is amazing the people who follow sports and what they follow, I have stood on a street corner in Chicago and someone says "don't you work for the Ole Miss Rebels?" We have big stage/platform and should promote our beliefs."
What advice do you have for Student Managers who want to work in this industry?
"Asking questions and learning the industry. Try to work some NFL camps in the summer or work in the equipment room in the summer. Be the first to get there and last to leave. Volunteer anytime someone needs something done."
"Don't embrace your weakness so much that you stop trying."
To God Be The Glory!
Equipment Manager
Ole Miss Football (@olemissfbequip)
Ken Crain is the Equipment Manager for the Ole Miss Rebels Football team. Ken has been at Ole Miss for 22 years, 3 as a Student Manager and 19 full time. Ken has been married to his wife Allison for 13 years and they have 2 daughters, Sabrina (16) and Kennedy (7).
What attracted you to becoming an Equipment Manager?
"I have been around football since I was 5 years old when my step father coached. I knew I couldn't play football so it was a good way to be around the sport. Also, I got a scholarship my second year into the program."
What are some benefits to being a Student Manager?
"Being on the sideline for games, the people you meet as a student, being involved in the sport scholarship money toward tuition. Some of the students have worked for me have been around Eli Manning and Patrick Willis. Also, several have gone on to work in the NFL."
What are some of the hurdles for you as you live out your faith in the equipment room/athletics?
"Missing out on some family events or missing out on some events my kids are involved in."
How has the Lord helped you throughout your career?
"I have been in the same place for many years. He has given me strength to embrace all the change involved in athletics. I probably worry too much about things and He helps me to relax."
How important is it for us, as believers, to live out our faith in the sports industry?
"Very important. Sports changes people's lives and we set examples for people to follow. It is very rewarding when someone who worked for you comes back and thanks you for helping/believing in them. It is amazing the people who follow sports and what they follow, I have stood on a street corner in Chicago and someone says "don't you work for the Ole Miss Rebels?" We have big stage/platform and should promote our beliefs."
What advice do you have for Student Managers who want to work in this industry?
"Asking questions and learning the industry. Try to work some NFL camps in the summer or work in the equipment room in the summer. Be the first to get there and last to leave. Volunteer anytime someone needs something done."
"Don't embrace your weakness so much that you stop trying."
To God Be The Glory!