You're the 34th Guy

Playing lacrosse in high school was what led me to Bucknell University . I was pretty good if not one of the best players on my team. But when I got to Bucknell, I realized that everyone was the best player on their high school team and if they weren't then they would have been the best player on my high school team.

It was humbling.

At the time, Bucknell's lacrosse team had a roster size of 34 players. Every year, the coaching staff had to make cuts to get down to that number. I always felt like I was fighting to be the 34th Guy on the roster for the four years I played at Bucknell.

The 34th player on a Division I lacrosse team doesn't play. They practice. I practiced for four years.

The 34th player on a Division I lacrosse team doesn't learn their team's offense and defense. They learn the offense and defense of the opposing team each week to run the scout team. I "played" for every other team in the Patriot League , never my own, for four years.

The 34th player on a Division I lacrosse team doesn't watch the film to study their matchup. They watch films so they can call out plays on the sideline to help their teammates who are playing. I watched the film for four years.

The 34th player's parents on a Division I lacrosse team travel to every home and away game knowing their son isn't going to play. They do it because they love being a part of the team, too. My parents drove and flew up and down the East Coast for four years.

Looking back now beyond Bucknell, I realize that the 34th player is the most important player on the team. Why? Because iron sharpens iron. Your team is only as good as the last player on the roster. Your company is only as good as the "weakest" employee on your staff. That employee and player need to be a superstar in their role.

The 34th guy is there to make everyone else better. The games are played on Saturday, but they're won by the 34th Guy at practice Monday through Friday. The 34th Guy has to have their best practice every day to make the All-Americans, All-Conference players, and starters better.

The team rises or falls to the level of athleticism, dedication, and skill of the 34th player on the roster. Your team needs people that push everyone else to get better. Don't get me wrong, having an All-American, All-Conference, Player of the Year, and Hall of Famer like Chris Cara helps, too!

Today, I'm the #1 guy at Albers & Associates , but only because I founded the company. I still act like and believe that I am the 34th Guy. It's a mindset that has served me well throughout my career. I know that success isn't just about talent. It's about hard work, dedication, and a willingness to put in the effort every day, even when you're not the star player or owner of the company.

When you graduate from Bucknell you will start your professional career as the 34th Guy at a business. You will not be an All-American, All-Conference, or even a starter. You will be the 34th Guy.

Beyond Bucknell, you have to learn and be willing to outlast and outwork people who are more talented than you. My time as a member of the lacrosse team taught me how to handle being the 34th Guy. Patrick Lencioni , in his book "The Ideal Team Player", describes the ideal team player as someone hungry, humble, and smart. To me, he's describing the 34th Guy.

So, to all the 34th players out there, keep grinding. Your time will come, and when it does, you'll be ready.

But, never lose the mindset of being the 34th Guy.