The McNicholas Milestone

By Maeve Rice

During sports seasons, McNick student athletes are encouraged to develop new relationships with their teammates, and one way to do this is through establishing and passing on team traditions. 

The football team has several traditions that players take part in and even some that include Rocket fans. These traditions include “Boom Chicka Boom,” which is sung after the Rockets win a football game, team dinners, praying in front of the statue of Mary after home games, and singing the fight song with the cheerleaders after games. Freshman football player Zach Minella said, “I feel like the traditions in our team help bring us closer.” 

The Cross-Country Team participates in multiple traditions. The traditions begin with a pre-season canoe trip and during the year include Friday night pasta parties at a teammates’ house and pre-race huddles with a prayer. Math teacher and Cross-Country coach, Mr. Dan Rosenbaum, said his favorite tradition is the pre-race huddle. “Right before race time, I can see the anticipation in the eyes of the runners, I can see the excitement as they are about to begin their race! It is one of my favorite things,” he said. Sophomore Thérèse Bursa said, “Pasta parties are my favorite tradition. Every Friday before a meet, the whole team goes to a senior’s house and enjoys team bonding and pasta.” 

During the soccer season both teams have opportunities to bond together. Sophomore soccer player Emmet Folk said, “I liked playing kickball against the girls and team dinners.” Some players have their own traditions such as junior soccer player Nora Kirkham who said she “always puts my socks on the opposite foot.” She added, “I also have my parents drive me to games even though I can drive,” because she likes to get focused for the games.  

Although they can look different to every team, traditions can help a team bond and build stronger relationships, that is why it is important to uphold these customs. Have other traditions for other sports teams? Share them in the comments.