On a hot, late summer afternoon, an elevator at the Vanier Football Complex at Bill Snyder Family Stadium descends into the busiest room in the Little Apple in August. When the doors open to the K-State football equipment room, you can immediately feel the energy and organized chaos that fuels the heart of the team.
Looking to the left is a large laundry area, housing a half dozen commercial sized washing machines, humming with constant operation. To the right, stands rows of shelves and storage lockers, holding every imaginable piece of football gear. The walls throughout are adorned with K-State relics and classic Big Eight memorabilia. There are banners, a stack of helmets from every NFL and current Big 12 team, and a fully dressed mannequin. As much as any other room in the entire stadium, the equipment room truly highlights the pride and rich history of Wildcat football.
This time of year, the staff of 13 assistant equipment managers – two full-timers and 11 students - are busy bustling around. They’re checking inventory, organizing gear, and making sure everything is in its right place. Large bins filled with footballs, fresh laundry, orange Nike shoe boxes, and other equipment are strategically placed around the room. The smell of new leather, fresh fabric, and a hint of sweat permeates the air.
Beyond the laundry room and storage lockers is where you'll find the boss. Head Equipment Manager Al Cerbe, wearing a purple polo and black pants with a Powercat-adorned belt, sits at his post. Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, Al moved to Northwest Mississippi as a child. His journey began in high school, continued to college, where he served as a student manager at the University of Memphis. His first role as head equipment manager was at Northeast Mississippi Community College. He briefly worked with the Memphis Xplorers, an Arena League farm team, and later interned with the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. Al joined K-State in 2007 as a full-time assistant. In 2011, Coach Bill Snyder recognized his hard work and dedication by promoting him to Head Equipment Manager.
Inside the Athletic Equipment Manager’s Association’s 2024 convention in Atlanta, Al Cerbe was named the Glenn Sharp Equipment Manager of the Year. This prestigious award goes to the manager that is seen to best demonstrate service, leadership, and excellence. Entering his 19th season at Kansas State, and 15th at the helm, Al truly is The Boss.
In college football, there are countless ways a player can suit up. Beyond the basics of having different uniforms for practice and games, the details come down to individual preferences. What type of pants and leg pads do they choose? Short sleeves or long sleeves? Which facemask do they prefer? There are training camp cleats, practice cleats, and gameday cleats, which they start breaking in at camp to ensure they're ready for the field. These cleats are often swapped out mid-season. And let’s not forget the travel gear that the entire team and coaching staff sports.
All embroidery - from logos, to patches, to the names that are on the back of the jersey – are produced by Nike. That’s one advantage to having that partnership. However, when alterations need done in a pinch, Amy at Alterations Unlimited has helped the team out tremendously. With up to 115 players on the roster, and 70 that travel with the team across the country, there’s so many logistics, and just so much to consider. Thankfully, Al & his award-winning staff have it down to a fine art.
In the locker room, Al reflected on his time at Kansas State. After working for legendary head coach Bill Snyder, and now a future hall-of-famer in Chris Klieman, he has such an appreciation for being in Manhattan, and to be a part of this program. “It’s a blessing to get to work for Coach Klieman. I have really enjoyed his presence, and I have learned so much about football with him. My thing is nailing practice, and making sure everything gets done. It’s just so special.”