There are many unique pregame rituals that take place before all kinds of sports. Have you ever wondered what superstitions are used in your very own high school? The most popular pregame rituals on the Mount Vernon football team are sitting in the same seat on the bus every time, wearing certain accessories, and listening to the same music. In their minds, this gives the athletes a competitive advantage over their opponent. 

Out of the three, the most popular pregame rituals sitting in the same seat on the bus for game day was the most popular. This may seem like something small or insignificant but, when asked why junior center Keean Kamerling replied with, “I’m not really sure why I do it, but once I sit down in that very seat I know it’s game time and it’s time for me to get ready to go.” Many other members of the team also agreed that they preferred to sit alone on the bus so they could stay focused on the game.

Garrett Hormann said, “I like to sit alone on the bus. It frees me from distractions of other people, and when I’m alone I can be as locked in as possible.”

The second most popular pregame ritual was wearing certain accessories or clothing during the game. The most commonly worn accessory was wearing the same undershirt for every game. Everyone had their favorite shirt for home and away games. Other players were a little more serious about what they wear. One player even admitted that he would wear the same underwear, two pairs of socks, and the same shirt for every game. Overall wearing eye black was the way to go. Many players believed that wearing eye black would boost their performance.

Can you remember a time when superstitions have helped you out? “Superstitions have helped me out many times. Once I found something that worked, I did not want to change it,” said junior quarterback Brady Ketchum. 

The final pregame ritual that was believed to boost in-game performance was listening to the same music before a game. The type of music that the players listened to varied anywhere from heavy rap to country music, but the players still believe their music helps them the most. “It really pumps me up and gets me ready for the game,” said junior Tyler Stine. One player admitted that he listened to the same exact playlist before games. 

As you can see there are many different ways to give yourself a competitive advantage. Ways you can boost your performance range anywhere from the clothes you wear to the place you sit on the bus.  All in all, you just have to find out what works best for you.