Lastowski, who has worked at Amherst for 29 years, dabbled as a Valentine, custodial and grounds employee before becoming the athletic equipment manager 19 years ago. "It's been my favorite place to work, I've met countless students through my job," said Lastowski.
Lastowski is a member of a staff advisory committee to human resources, as well as the affirmative action and the Dr. Luther King, Jr. committees.
Besides providing a smiling face and open ears, Lastowski is in charge of purchasing all team equipment and uniforms, getting each team equipped and suited up for practice and games and overseeing team budgets.
As any athlete knows, it's possible to drop a bag full of dirty clothes into the laundry chute late one afternoon and to pick up a pile of clean clothes the next day. This service is made possible by Lastowski and his assistants, who do countless loads of laundry every morning. Contrary to popular belief, detergent, and not just extremely hot water, is actually used in the process. "In fact, I recently switched detergents. The old product was bland, and the new one not only works better, but leaves clothes smelling clean," said Lastowski.
Another quandary to many Amherst students is why all the XXL clothing? Girls five feet tall are an easy form of campus-wide comic relief as they don XXL issue t-shirts, shorts, sweatpants and sweatshirts. "However, I have guys who complain to me all the time that the issue clothing is too small for them," said Lastowski. "Although I recently started ordering extra large and large sizes, I can't be a custom fit tailor to every Amherst athlete," he said. "Neither the budget nor my sanity is large enough for that."
From his prime location behind the issue window at the gym, Lastowski could easily be labeled "the eyes and ears of Amherst athletics."
"Over the years, I've definitely seen and heard a lot of funny stuff," said Lastowski. Because he is in contact with most athletes daily, Lastowski has made countless friendships with students and faculty since he assumed his post as equipment manager.
Even after spending 40 hours a week at the gym, he often attends matches, games and meets. "I try to keep it fair. If I watch a men's basketball game, I make sure I watch a women's one too," said Lastowski.
Recently, Lastowski has taken to decorating the cubbies closest to the issue window with memorabilia and, of course, old uniforms that he once ordered for the teams. Besides plaques, balls, bats and cleats, there are also photos and two statues that swim team coach Nick Nichols recently brought back for Lastowski as a souvenir from a tropical vacation he had taken. The smiles and gifts that are directed toward Lastowski each day are a testament to his good humor and dedication.
When asked about the most important lesson he's learned during his time at Amherst, Lastowski summed up his thoughts concisely. "In this business, a sense of humor and the occasional please and thank you go a long way," said Lastowski.