BUTLER TWP — His football days are long behind him — as a player.

But Butler junior Jarod Guidotti remains very much a part of the Golden Tornado despite never playing a down of high school football.

“I used to play and I loved to play ... But I got too many concussions,” Guidotti said. “I had to give it up.”

Those injuries happened when Guidotti played in the Butler Area Midget Football League. He was denied the opportunity to play for Butler High School.

He’s still a member of the team.

“His value to us is priceless,” Butler coach Rob Densmore said.

Guidotti is in his third season as an assistant equipment manager for the Tornado. He helps prep the locker room for games home and away, along with helping out along the sidelines.

“There’s so much stuff that has to get done behind the scenes, details that need taken care of,” Densmore said. “People have no clue how much work needs to be done.

“Jarod helps out (equipment manager) Rick Zitalone with a lot of those things.”

Guidotti gets players’ uniforms and helmets organized before each game, long before the players arrive. He makes sure other player accessories are in place as well.

“On home game nights, I go down to the stadium right after school,” he said. “There’s a lot more that needs done. For away games, I take the bus and help out in making sure we have everything we need.

“It’s a lot of work, but I enjoy it. It’s a way I can contribute and still be part of the team.”

Densmore recognizes the value in that.

“Jarod’s part of us, just in a different role,” the coach said. “Teamwork, work ethic, discipline, togetherness ... There’s a lot of life lessons football offers that he’s still picking up on.

“A kid can help his team without putting on a uniform. Jarod is a perfect example of that.”