Athletic Superstitions
Sports are full of superstitions, from specific routines before every game to certain lucky meals or items. We asked YSU Student Athletes if they believe in athletic superstitions, and here are some of their responses.
Angela Lock — Track and Field
Junior Integrated Language Arts major.
The same exact warm up and an even number of steps for everything!
Jake Coates — Football
Sophomore Business Management major.
I have songs I listen to, what I wear for games and the order I do things in.
Shelby Marken — Track & Field
Senior Psychology major.
I have to braid my hair for every meet. I need to listen to certain songs when I'm in the facility. And I need to wear my one pair of spandex underneath my uniform.
Nikki Mendez — Bowling
Junior Psychology major.
Before I start a match I talk to a coach, teammate, or my parents and I give them knuckles and say "we got this." I also like to wear mix matched socks during competition.
Vinny Gentile — Football
Freshman Biology major.
I listen to certain music, eat/drink the same thing and pray.
Natalie Yehle — Swimming
Sophomore Exercise Science major.
I have to have my hands dry before I swim my race, and I have to jump up and down twice.
Kevin Scherr — Men‘s Golf
Sophomore Accounting major.
I always shower before golf tournaments in the morning. Driving range then putting green, never vice versa.
Katlyn Griffie — Track and Field
Sophomore Forensic Science major.
I make sure I wear the same pair of socks and the same sports bra every meet. And my hair has to be straightened before I put it up.
James Nedrich — Cross Country
Senior Computer Science major.
I've worn the same pair of socks for every cross country race for the last seven years.
Elle Buffenbarger — Softball
Sophomore Early Childhood Education major.
I pray and visualize strikes and winning. I have to wear the same sliding shorts and hair tie and warm up the same way.
Nathan Mays — Football
Junior Marketing major.
I take a shower prior to every game, and we play a game involving Gatorade at our pregame meal.
Lauren Dolak — Soccer & Track
Freshman Exercise Science major.
I always do the same stretches in the same order before a race/game.
Samantha Mazula — Soccer
Freshman Exercise Science major.
I listen to my favorite song on repeat, always wear my hair in some kind of high braided ponytail and always wear my socks above my knees.
Derek Hite — Football
Freshman Criminal Justice major.
I always listen to music and get in a pregame meal.
Abby Jones — Track & Field
Senior Physical Education major.
I use the same warm up routine before each competition.
Michael McAllister — Football
Freshman Engineering major.
I must pray in private and walk opposing fields.
Mackenzie Scott — Cross Country
Freshman Education major.
I always drink strawberry refreshers from Starbucks one hour prior to race time. I also wear the same socks.
Sophia Patonis — Softball
Sophomore Criminal Justice major.
I don't do anything specific but I like to pray and tell myself that I need to play this game like it's my last because it very well could be.
Randy Smith — Football
Freshman Business major.
Take a shower before every game to feel fresh.
Emma Hunkus — Track & Field
Freshman Undetermined major.
Praying and tying my shoes.
Daiquain Watson — Track & Field
Sophomore Natural Science major.
I have to have my candy and gum, I have to have my "meet socks" on, I always have to have my music playing, and I have to get ready for the meet the same way every time.
Steven Wethli — Football
Senior General Studies major.
As a specialist we sit in the exact same seats at every pregame meal and meeting. Also, I listen to “The Boys of Fall” after stretching every gameday.
Casey Baker — Football
Freshman Criminal Justice major.
I get there super early to get taped and ready to roll with music blasting!
Charlotte Crouch — Cross Country
Freshman Undetermined major.
I do particular drills every single time and pray.
John Harper — Football
Freshman Undetermined major.
I listen to music.
Rhianna Acosta — Swimming
Junior Exercise Science major.
I trace a cross on the block, and I touch the outside of my right ankle.