Special-needs manager teaches Highland basketball players life lessons


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SALT LAKE CITY — On a winter’s night, a crowded gym full of cheering fans and high school basketball players is the place to be. But one man works quietly behind the scenes filling water bottles and making sure the buses arrive on time. Players and coaches say Mike Magelby is their glue.

“He’s an institution at Highland,” said Jim Boyce, head coach at Highland High School. “He’s been here a lot longer than I have, and he’ll probably be there a lot longer than I’m there, and he kind of runs things.”

Mike is a graduate of Highland. In 16 years as manager, he hasn’t missed a varsity game, often walking across town to attend JV and freshman games as well. He’s helped Highland win three state championships, coaches said. He's punctual, dependable and extraordinary.

Freshman coach Paul Sabin said he doesn’t know what they’d do without him. “He’s kind of like having our pocket organizer,” Sabin said. “He’s our human pocket organizer — we don’t even have to worry about being organized. Mike keeps us organized. All I have to do is concentrate on the coaching and the strategy for the game.”

Mike was born with mental and developmental disabilities. Nationally, only 15 percent of people like him have jobs despite their ability and desire to work, according to The Arc, an organization that helps people who have disabilities. Advocates say that with the right support and education, that number could change.

“Everyone has to have something to be passionate about in life and this is his thing, so it’s really helpful for him,” said Ken Magelby, Mike’s brother. “It makes him feel a part of the world, a part of the community. It means a lot.”


He's our human pocket organizer — we don't even have to worry about being organized. Mike keeps us organized.

–Paul Sabin, coach


Mike proudly wears his state championship ring. He has an album packed with photos taken after winning games of him surrounded by ecstatic players. Those student athletes, of course, eventually graduate and move on. Coaches change schools or accept other positions. Mike is the one constant, school administrators said, doing the work that has to be done.

Players said they are learning life lessons from Mike about devotion, determination and what’s possible despite limitations.

Spencer Moncur is a senior guard. “I think it’s good for us to recognize how even though he’s different, he’s such a good example that he can do everything any of us can do,” he said. “It’s just fun to see him doing so much for the team.”

His teammate, Spencer Divver, agreed. “I consider him like a coach to us. He’s always on top of us; he keeps us in check. He’s the man. I love Mike. I honestly don’t look at him any other way.”

Mike said he enjoys every minute of his work. “It makes me happy,” he said.

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