Created: 1/5/2009 10:44:56 PM 
MIAMI GARDENS, FL -- Behind every good football player is good equipment, and a team of guys to take care of it all.
85 players make up the University of Florida football team, not to mention the coaches, cheerleaders, the band, and various assistants who work with the program. There is also a team of thirteen students who take care of the uniforms, helmets, cleats, etc.-- the equipment managers.
"From day to day, we handle equipment needs and work with the coaches. There's ten [football players] that each one of us is assigned to," said Kyle Rifkin, a junior at UF.
Rifkin, an Orange Park native, is attending his first national championship with the team. His experience has given him a perspective many sports fans would envy.
"We get to be at all the football games, be on the field for all the games, and have a real up close look at how the program is managed," Rifkin said.
No question, though: this is a job.
"Obviously you have to do the laundry, which is the not-so-bright side," Rifkin said.
When asked if it's hard to keep up with some of the players, he laughed.
"Yes, yes. Some of them, not so much. But a lot of them, yes it is," Rifkin said.
Dirty work aside, he says being on the equipment management team is a great opportunity, and the players appreciate the help.
"We really like these guys. They do a fantastic job. Everything is always ready. No worries, really," said Billy Steinmann, an offensive lineman.
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