Gary Wheeler would have to be near the top of that list.
The Alhambra-Union stalwart was doing what he has always done when the Otago Daily Times popped in for a chat ahead of the club’s 150th celebrations this weekend — he was mucking in.
He was also trying to hold back the tears. It was hard to put into words how much the club means to him and emotion got very close to the surface at times.
"We’ve got good people," he said.
"There are a lot of people who do work behind the scenes that you don’t see who offer their help — and offer their money, at times.
"It is not easy. But I think as long as we’ve got good people behind us we will keep it going."
The 68 year old started out at the club as an 8 year old. He progressed through the grades and eventually played for the premier side.
When he hung up his boots, he moved into administration.
His name is up on most of the honours boards. He is a life member, a past president and the current chairman. He has pretty much done it all during his 60-plus years of involvement.
His father Ron Wheeler helped raise the money to build the clubroom, and his son Allan Wheeler is another stalwart of the club. His wife Sandy has put in countless hours as well.
It has been a family affair.
"I think the good times are when you get the wins, and they have been pretty lean this year," he said.
"But I think it is just seeing guys grow, you know the likes of the Peter Breens and the Scotty Mansons. They have gone on to further their career.
"At the end of the day seeing the players grow gives you as much pleasure as anything."
The Broncos have been doing it tough on the field this year. But Wheeler is optimistic about the club’s future.
"We’ve got a lot of numbers and the spirit in the club couldn’t be better. And even though the premier side is not doing so well, they are all at training and I think the future is strong."
Alhambra and Union merged at the end of the 1986 season and first took the field in 1987. Union dates back to 1872, and Alhambra was founded in 1884.
Those eagle-eyed readers will note the club is actually 151. Covid forced a tweak to the schedule and the celebration had to be put off for a year.
Wheeler said about 250 guests were expected, and that did not include players.
"They are coming from all over the place — Australia and everywhere in New Zealand."
Former All Black Josh Kronfeld is expected to be attending. He is one of three All Blacks the club has produced.
The festivities got under way with a senior game played under lights at the North Ground last night, followed by an official welcome at 7pm.
The colts, premier women and premier men’s teams are all in action today.
There is an auction planned for later in the evening. The club is raising money to re-roof the clubrooms.
And tomorrow a family day and roast lunch is planned.
