Every athlete has his quirks and oddities within pre-game rituals. From a lucky song, to a certain way to tape a limb, or even just doing nothing, the superstitious acts throughout the sports world are limitless.
Superstitions stretch from the beginning of sports and at a young age to professional sports and even to the student athletes here at Pacific.
Whether it’s the bad luck to those who grace the cover of the illustrious Madden football video game franchise and their injuries, or Jason Giambi, a renowned baseball player for the Yankees, breaking his bad luck streak by wearing a gold thong, everyone has one.
Every person having a different way to get the luck going on his or her side before the game.
Sophomore volleyball player Grace Sporer said that the team has a special superstition.
“Before every home game after we put on our jerseys, when we are walking out we all have to jump and hit the top of the doorway. If someone misses, we make them go back and do it,” Sporer said. Sporer added that it “brings them good luck.”
Sophomore baseball player Dylan Wright, also involves others in his superstition, saying that before every game he “[has] his coach Kyle Chamberlain bless his helmet.” Athletes are always finding ways to get those around them involved in strange antics.
As for those with individual preferences, the traditions are endless. From sophomore soccer player Matt Kimball putting on his socks, cleats, and shin guards on in the right order, to Wyatt Moore, also a sophomore baseball player, saying without his “cross and scapular he just did not feel right.”
There are also simpler ways to keep superstitions going. As freshman volleyball player Ellie Parker said that she “wears the same knee pads every game day, and on the same knees every time.”
However, there are the people who find superstitions unnecessary and just not needed to affect the game.
Sophomore baseball player Chuck Colson says while he does have a pre-game routine, “it is more out of comfort than the belief it will bring [him] luck.”
“I don’t really believe in them. The only thing I can think of is not to step on the line,” Cindy Chan, a sophomore softball player here at Pacific, said.
Lady luck can be elusive, and some players choose to pursue while others do not.
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