CMHS athletes stick by their superstitions

By Amir Barton

General Reporter

Before kickoff, Jerome Felder tightens his season-long gloves, wears a lucky wristband, and repeats his warm-up routine. Many football players rely on small rituals and superstitions to feel confident.

Dominic Jackson (left) says that he always prepares the same way for his games.

Superstitions in sports often develop after a good performance. When athletes notice they played well after following a certain routine, they sometimes repeat that action before future games. Over time, the routine becomes a habit that helps players feel mentally ready to compete.

“Before every game, I always put my left sock and left shoe on first. I started doing it a couple of years ago, and now it just feels weird if I don’t,” sophomore Isaiah Jordan said.

Jordan explained that even though the routine might not physically change how he plays, it helps him feel more confident going into the game.

“I wouldn’t say it actually makes me better physically, but mentally it helps a lot. When I follow the same routine, I feel more confident going into the game,” Jordan said.

While Jordan focuses on a clothing routine, other athletes prefer structured warm-up habits to stay focused before competition.

“I always stretch in the same order before warmups, and I tap the ground twice before the first play,” junior Dominic Jackson said.

Jackson believes repeating the same preparation helps him mentally before the game begins.

“If I do everything the same way before the game, it kind of puts me in the right mindset to play well,” Jackson said.

Some athletes also connect superstitions with specific items they wear during games.

“I always wear the same wristband during games. I started doing it during a game where I played really well," football player Jerome Felder said. 

For Felder, the wristband became part of his routine and a way to boost confidence before playing.

When you believe something is lucky, you kind of play with more energy because you feel like things will go your way,” Felder said.

Although their routines are similar, the athletes agreed that many players on their teams have superstitions.

“It’s pretty common in sports. Everyone has something small they do before games,” Felder said.

Despite how common these habits are, the athletes believe superstitions mainly affect their mindset rather than the actual outcome of a game.

“I think they’re mostly harmless. As long as it helps you stay focused and doesn’t distract you, it can be helpful,” Jordan said.