Edina High School is revered for its strong athletes; young warriors like soccer star, sophomore, Lara Boman and hockey hero, junior, Parker Reno are praised on the daily for their performance on varsity teams. However, behind every celebrated athlete is a less celebrated, but still valuable, athlete. These high school stars are often labeled as benchwarmers.

“We are an extremely misunderstood group,” said senior varsity football player Jimmy Jensen stated. The term benchwarmer often has a negative stigma attached to it, when in reality benchwarmers play an important role on the team. “We keep the towels ready for the starters and provide emotional support when we lose,” Jensen added.

Senior Max Feinberg, who “usually starts on the left bench” of the varsity soccer team thinks of himself “as more of a leader than a player.” And, what’s a team without leaders?

Jensen advised benchwarmers to “go to lots of team parties. Also, only attend 76% percent of practices.” He also promotes having good relationships with fellow benchwarmers. Some of his favorite fellow benchwarmers from the 2011 season included seniors Reece Williamson and Peter Wikman and juniors Peter Heffelfinger and “Marley Allison, when he’s faking an injury.” Feinberg humorously suggested wearing warm clothes and not worrying about paying attention to the game.

Brad Dahlman, an EHS football coach, stated that benchwarmers “bring a lot of morale to the team.”

Jensen added that “high school football has been a great ride, and I would do it all over again if I could.”

While senior benchwarmers are pretty lax, many benchwarmers, especially younger athletes, warm the bench to get a chance to play varsity and be a starter the following season. Sophomore Henry Rose, member of the varsity hockey team, claimed he might be on first or second line by senior year.

Jon Yang, junior and varsity tennis player, was a benchwarmer his freshman year. However, after working hard and sticking it out through the season, he has become one of the tennis team’s top players. He would not have been able to do this without benchwarmers.

“Senior benchwarmers, like Doug Baker, [who graduated in 2010] inspired me to work hard and be on top.”