Zach Cook, Joey Carter, Nathan Rutledge and Andy Espelage serve as NKU basketball managers.

In this week’s Hot Seat, John interviews the four basketball managers: Andy Espelage (AE), Nathan Rutledge (NR), Zach Cook (ZC) and Joey Carter (JC).

John Rasp: What made each of you guys a manager? NR: Because I love the game of basketball and I was probably the worst athlete in this whole entire area. Well, Zach may have me beat on the worst athlete, but I was probably the worst athlete in my school. ZC: I agree with (Nathan) in that I love the game. But, I knew with my legs I wouldn’t be able to play. So, just to be around everybody every game was pretty much what I was going for. AE: I have a love for sports and a love for basketball so I just had to be around some how. JC: I have a love for sports and since NKU doesn’t have a football or a hockey team so I decided to get involved with basketball.

JR: Who is the toughest basketball player to deal with? NR: I’d say Sean (Rowland) because he’s so intense during games. AE: I’d say Sean because during the games he’s so intense that he’ll call us a few choice words. JC: Sean isn’t the most difficult. The most difficult is Schappell because he’s constantly on you for things that you know you have to do but he’ll say it anyway.

JR: Which manager is the ladies’ man? NR: It’s definitely Zach. ZC: It would definitely be me.

JR: Who would you say is the best athlete among the managers? NR: It’s definitely Joey. He played high school sports. Zach is definitely a shooter, but he’s one of the worst athletes I’ve seen in my life. ZC: I’d have to say me because I’m the best basketball player.