It’s no accident the Patriots are the best organization in sports. The owner Robert Kraft, head coach Bill Belichick, and quarterback Tom Brady, have all had a hand in creating an environment conducive to bringing out the best of each individual on staff, regardless of their position. Craig Ramsey, a 20 year old junior at Gordon, is a member of that staff. As an assistant equipment manager, just about everything you see the players wear on game day was put in their locker the day before by Ramsey. Far from star-struck, Ramsey understands he’s there to do a job. With that attitude, he fits right in.
“The misconception is that I’m just taking laps around the locker room giving high fives,” Ramsey said. “People forget that it still is a job. It’s hard work. Everyones there to do a job.”
Everyone understands what they’re doing is vital for the overall success of the organization.Robert Kraft ensures that everyone feels appreciated. He’s the quintessential example of how a boss should carry themselves.
“Bob Kraft is a genius first of all,” Ramsey said. “He has a real good relationship with all his staff and workers. He’s really cordial with everyone. Shaking hands with a billionaire is something I never thought I’d do in my lifetime. But he’ll always ask how you’re doing and make sure you’re alright.”
So-called experts always wonder how the Patriots get the best out of players with controversial pasts like Corey Dillon, Randy Moss, and now Chad Ochocinco and Albert Haynesworth. Simply put, it’s easy to perform when you feel respected by your boss.
“The organization treats everyone well and that’s all a part of the Patriot Way,” Ramsey said. “It falls all the way down to the equipment managers and ball boys.”
Ramsey is already adept at conducting himself as Belichick does with the media. In post-game interviews, the head coach always emphasizes the importance of everyone doing their specific job. If Brady has a good game throwing the ball, Belichick is quick to credit the offensive line. If the secondary snagged a few interceptions, he’ll note that wouldn’t have been possible without the pass rush. Each part has to be working cohesively in order for the machine to function as a whole.
Being around the team gives Craig a chance to watch Tom Brady put in work.
“He demands perfection from himself,” Ramsey said. “And that spills over into everyone else. Even in practice if he makes a play that he felt should have been a touchdown but was only a first down, he’ll be visibly upset. He comes every day ready to work.”
When a leader expects so much from himself, everyone else has to fall in line. Maybe they don’t have that same motivation, but they know they can’t let down number 12.
Ramsey clearly impressed the Head of Equipment in his interview as he was hired on the spot. Less mature individuals would have struggled to come to work with a business first approach. To Ramsey, that work ethic is second nature. He does not plan to pursue a career with the team, but the values engrained in him from being around the Patriots will make him a high caliber asset wherever he goes in life.
By Jake Brown ’14
“Only the mediocre are at their best all the time.” That motivational quote was delivered not by Vincent Lombardi, Muhammad Ali, or any other famous sports figure. Those were the words of Cory Ward, Gordon College’s Mr. Everything. This year, Ward has added Assistant Athletic Director to his impressive resume that already includes Head Field Hockey and Lacrosse coach. His average work day of 10 to 12 hours consists of office and on-field work, where he preps the fields for every sport, not just the ones he is affiliated with. Even with Field Hockey now in full swing Ward finds time for some preseason work with his Lacrosse team.
Being a coach, Ward brings a different and useful perspective as Assistant Athletic Director. That experience gives him a plain view of where improvements are needed.
“My main goals as Assistant AD are to make each sport fully functional,” Ward said. “That means that each team should have proper venues and be fully staffed with quality coaches.”
Already a busy man, he is looking forward hitting the road in search of new talent.
“A personal goal of mine is to spend lots of time recruiting,” said Ward. “In a few weeks when the season gets started I’ll start making some trips.”
Ward was quick to praise the work Jon Tymann has done in his three years as Athletic Director, noting he is taking the appropriate steps to improve the program.
“He’s grown our staffing tremendously,” he said. “That includes bringing in more interns which is helpful for the teams and the school as a whole. He also helped develop a new grad program which makes it possible for recent graduates to be brought in as assistants.”
For Gordon College sports fans and athletes, it’s comforting to know there are people working hard towards establishing an elite program. Cory Ward’s worth ethic highlights the entire staffs dedication. With his help it’s clear this department has a bright future.
