Never mentioned, rarely seen, and their importance is only known by a few. What am I talking about? I am talking about the members of the Swat Team. Composed mostly of walk-ons and graced with a few scholarship players at times. Their job is simple yet more difficult than most. The basic job of the Swat Team is to mimic and prepare the rotation players for upcoming opponents that the Pack will play.

Commonly known by most as the scout team, our group likes to be known as the Swat Team. I am really not sure who was the originator of the title; it was first mentioned in my junior year. I think it was a combination of Coach Lutz and Staats Battle.

Those who are members of Coach Lutz’s special group include all walk-ons and transfers who are sitting out because of NCAA regulated rules. It is a growth period for these guys who are sitting out. I saw Ralston Turner really progress as player due to constantly being called upon to play an important role on the Swat Team my senior year. Most of his assignments put him against the best players on our starting 5. He was also tasked with having to be the guy on offense for Coach Lutz. Ralston would play the role of the opposing team’s most dangerous scorer. He became comfortable in this role and it showed in his confidence to play through the ups and downs within a season.

Last season I know Trevor Lacey was in a similar situation. It will pay big dividends for him this season. I am sure he was forced to guard TJ Warren countless times last season, this will only help him once the season starts. As for this season I am sure that Terry Henderson will get a lot of run on the Swat Team.

Coach Lutz and other assistants help spearhead all the preparation of the Swat Team. Each opponent is carefully studied and charted. Then the walk-ons must do their best to learn many different systems and wrinkles to best simulate certain situations that will be seen come game time.

Certain qualities are a must for those who are trusted to run with Coach Lutz’s team. Everyone must have thick skin, listening abilities, toughness, and amnesia. Without a doubt at some point all members of the team will be yelled at, or put at a disadvantage simply from the facts that they are going up against players that are better than them. They must play extremely hard in order to make up for their lack of athleticism compared to many of the top players that have been recruited by Coach Gottfried and his Assistants.

Continuity is not on their side either; these players must be capable of adapting to ever changing schemes and wrinkles. They must know more plays and tendencies than the average player. Time is not on their side; many times there is only a couple of days at best to prepare for your next opponent. However I must say that all of the members of the Swat Team deserve credit! They approach their jobs each day with a blue-collar work ethic. They know there is little fanfare or accolades that will come from their countless hours of sacrifice. Yet they come back each and every practice and give it their all!

Have you ever wondered why there is so much happiness and cheering from all members from the team and staff when a walk-on scores a basket in a game that’s outcome has been decided? The reason is because everyone within a team realizes the sacrifice they put in everyday. Their jobs are inherently difficult, however, I would suggest that it is all worth it in the moment that they make a shot in front of a home crowd at the PNC. I am sure that is a feeling like none other.

Early in the season I am sure there will be a game where the Pack is up big, instead of heading for the parking lot early…stay and help make that moment a member of the Swat Team gets into the game even more special. It is very entertaining to see just how many contested three pointers will be taken, however, more times than not someone will score and all out hysteria will take place on the bench! You will want to be a part of it.