With winter right around the corner, many students grieve the loss of warm summer nights and school-free days, while some look forward to this time of year to watch or play some of their favorite sports.
Junior Joey Lonergan discussed some aspects of preparation for BV Football gamedays.
“The whole week, as a team, we just prepare,” he said. “I like to watch a lot of film, whether it’s on the other players or our game before, so I can improve the way I play.”
Preparation such as this proves fundamental to success on the field.
“I like to eat the right things and get a lot of electrolytes in my body before games,” Lonergan said.
The details building up to gamedays are important not only for winning but also for preventing injury and holding oneself accountable for being as ready as possible to ensure the best contribution to the team’s success.
Freshman Soloman Steed said he prefers to clear his head “in the locker room [with] headphones on, listening to music.”
Everyone’s gameday preparation is different though, as sophomore Isaac Reinert “lifts in the morning” and continues his childhood tradition of watching “little quick plays football videos before the game.”
Senior Acy VanRheen continues a tradition of having a specific meal on gamedays.
“[I go] to Jersey Mike’s and get an Italian sub for every game,” he said.
As a largely team-focused sport, the community aspect is vital for success. To foster this community VanRheen shared that “every game week, we have lineman dinner together at someone’s house.”
Team bonding, such as this, is crucial for building team comradery and encourages players to push through tough losses together and strive for a better next step.
This heavy focus on community within BV football is something Steed enjoys.
“My favorite part of game days is seeing [my] team getting into the game and having fun,” he said.
Contrary to the different ways BV players prepare for a game, they all agree on their favorite parts, especially the moments on the field.
“I like the atmosphere and just getting to play,” Reinert said. “It’s really fun [and] exciting.”
Another favorite is running out of the banner at the beginning of a game.
“Your body’s adrenaline is at an all time high,” Lonergan said.
“Just getting out in front of the crowd — playing [in] the atmosphere,” VanRheen said.
As BV’s football season comes to a close, the community focuses on another beloved team held close to its heart, the Kansas City Chiefs.
The last couple seasons have been monumental for the Kansas City Chiefs’ community and a powerful connection point across the city; the traditions upheld by many reflect the importance of community and mutual interest among loved ones.
When not playing, gameday preparations are far more simplistic and typically consist of just bringing people together.
“I like hanging out with my family and watching it.” VanRheen said.
Some wear particular clothing for Chiefs gamedays.
“I always wear red or Chiefs gear and stay at my house [to] watch it with my family,” Reinert said.
“I usually watch the Chiefs games either with my dad or with a bunch of my friends,” Lonergan said.
Similarly, Steed said he usually sits down with his family to watch the game together.
These traditions encompass some of the most impactful memories sports can offer.
The traditions that come from playing in a football game versus watching a football game have far more correspondence than one may think. The sport is at the core of the connections, and the lifelong friendship, community, and memories are the result. The people are what makes sports so special — on the field or not.
“It’s a sport I love,” Steed said. “When my friends are having fun with me, it’s even better.”
