Photo by Toffy Prakittiphoom/The Choate News
Behind the scenes of Choate’s rigorous athletics programs is the equipment room, or “the Cage,” as Choate students call it. Athletes usually head to the Cage before practice or games, where the staff supplies them with items such as equipment and uniforms so that the teams are prepared to excel in their sport.
Every day, the athletes know who to expect to see there. Mr. Justin Whittaker, the Head Equipment Manager, and Mr. John Paleski and Ms. Dawn McGrath, the Assistant Equipment Room Managers, are familiar faces at the Cage. Mr. Paleski has worked at Choate for 23 years and Ms. McGrath for almost 15. They arrive at the equipment room every day to wash uniforms and prepare items to distribute to athletes before attending practice. Although their work has become a routine for the Equipment Room Managers, there is one aspect of their job that has motivated them to stay at Choate — the students.
When asked what his favorite part of the job is, Mr. Paleski responded, “The kids, believe it or not.” Ms. McGrath also said, “The kids. I love all the kids coming in, all the sports, just being able to do what they need and help them out.” Similarly, Mr. Whittaker stated, “My favorite part of the day is when the student-athletes come down to the X to start their afternoons.” The Choate athletes have become the spark that encourages them to stay at the School.
Mr. Whittaker, Mr. Paleski, and Ms. McGrath have worked different jobs before coming to Choate. Mr. Whittaker has always harbored a love for sports and knew that he wanted a career in the field. Mr. Paleski coached football in East Haven with Mr. Jim Paradise, the Head Equipment Manager at the time. When his department downsized, he heard about an opportunity at Choate. “The rest is history,” he said. Ms. McGrath previously worked at a mall, and her friend found her the job at Choate. She knew she wanted something more exciting; she was hired and loved the job. “As long as they say I can stay here, I’m staying. I’m not going anywhere,” Ms. McGrath reiterated.
Some sports, such as hockey, require large amounts of equipment, and supplying them has not always been easy. During the pandemic, equipment supply shortages were common obstacles the equipment room staff faced. Uniforms, hockey paddings, and even tennis balls have often been an issue. If the main supplier is unavailable to provide the equipment, they turn to a secondary supplier. Mr. Paleski said, “We make do and just get the job done, no excuses.” Ms. McGrath also mentioned that donations from other Choate athletes are helpful.
