We’ve all heard of them before. People who wear the same mismatched socks before every game, or that one person who never washes their underwear that they wear under their uniform for every meet. Some believe it is what wins the game and here at LHS we have some very superstitious athletes that will do whatever they think will help get the “W.”

“I look up ponies for sale before each football game to get me focused,” said sophomore football player Elliott Hackett. “My football team and I also listen to ‘MANS NOT HOT’ and do an Irish jig.”

It can get pretty interesting in the locker rooms before games. Whether it is with a team or just the athlete individually, there are no limits as to what players will do to get prepped and pumped for their big debut.

“I make sure my shin guard sleeve with a hole in it has to go on my right leg. Then I would eat the same granola bar 30 minutes before each game,” said senior soccer player Britten Blount.

Though, not all rituals are done just by the athletes themselves, but with the team all together. This can help bring everyone hand in hand and get everyone’s focus on the big goal, winning.

“The whole soccer team will all kiss big bird’s head. It’s a plastic toy that Steve [our coach], found on the ground when he was mowing the Dakota Alliance fields I think, and it was the Lincoln colors so it became our good luck charm,” said sophomore soccer player Morgan McDonnel.

Not all players are superstitious, however. Some people think that superstitions are only in the athlete’s head and don’t actually help in winning the game. The athletes themselves may disagree, saying that breaking the rituals can lead to a loss.

“Superstitions are legit. One time we were on a big winning streak when we were wearing white tops with red shorts and then we wore all white one game and we lost,” said McDonnel.

Whether it be the superstitions that win or lose the game, hard work is still a valuable component in how the game will play out. So after every match, meet, game or competition, everyone must come together and think back on what happened  and how to improve for next time.

“With losses we normally go back and look at film and just work harder at practice next week. When we win, we appreciate it but we get passed it and know that we have to win the following week as well. We cannot only rely on our superstitions, ya know?” said Hackett.