For the Bison Football team, late May to early June marks the beginning of inventory and equipment analysis, a task taken on by the Varsity student managers. In the final weeks before the summer of 2025 began, managers Skye McKibben ‘26, Kalah Nord ‘26, Julia Braglemann ‘26, and Ireland Morris ‘27 began organizing and sorting through jerseys, pads, helmets, water bottles, and other equipment found in the storage room (also known as the “foxhole”) located in the Bison Activity Center (BAC).
Story continues after the gallery.
What began as an unplanned discovery soon developed into something much more meaningful. The managers couldn’t help but wonder about the women who once shared their role under Friday night lights over a decade ago. Through social media and a few Facebook messages, five Buffalo graduates responded, sharing their insight on what it was like to be a football manager over 10 years earlier. One of those former managers, Danielle Topp (Class of 2009) explains her reasoning for starting her management career.
“A friend of mine (Mel Henson) and I decided we wanted something to do in the fall and liked going to the football games,” Topp said.
More than fifteen years later, Topp and Henson have remained close friends, proof that friendships can last far after walking the stage at graduation. Similarly, that spirit of connection carried through generations of managers to come as they experienced lasting bonds through their time with the team. Justine Lee (Class of 2014) reflected on the impact managing had on her high school career.
“I loved it [managing]. I’m still in touch with some of the girls I managed with, and it was such a fun way to be a part of the Friday Night Lights up close without being a player.” Lee said.
Now a teacher in the BHM district, Lee continues to be surrounded by the community that helped raise her. Similar to Lee, many former managers reflected on the friendships and memories that came along with being a part of the team. Megan Metz (Class of 2014) shared a team bonding experience that particularly stood out from her time as a manager.
“I loved managing. One year, we had a (football) kicking competition with all players, managers, and coaches. I ended up in the top 5,” Metz said.
Moments such as bonding with the team as a whole captures the connection and community still found today throughout the Bison Football team.
Discovering the time capsule gave the current managers a rare glimpse into the lives of those who came before them and an insight into some of the women who helped bring the program to where it is today. From enduring friendships, continued connections, and lasting memories, the stories uncovered and resurfaced from the small corner of a gym equipment room continue to display what being a part of the Bison Football program means. It is not simply working towards winning scores and lasting records, but creating a foundation of camaraderie and support that will reinforce BHS values for generations to come.
