See the issue: November 2006

Me and the guys on the team have been friends for about three years, which has really helped. We all enjoy the same stuff (other than baseball). We usually get together at someone’s house and play pool, ping pong, poker or, sometimes, video games—just something we can all do to hang out and have a good time. For example, we’re all playing in a fantasy football league together, so we have fun with that.
Matt Royal
Hamilton High School
Chandler, Ariz.
 
My team has a ritual that motivates everyone, makes us want to play harder and brings us closer to each other. Every Wednesday night, we all get together and have a steak dinner. Eating with the team is a sign of togetherness, and it has allowed us to realize that as long as we win, we will have a hot meal. It started back in 1984, when my former coach, Jewell McLaurin, was trying to get the team fired up for the playoffs. He didn’t know what to do, but then he had the idea to feed the team steak on Wednesday. The team blew their opponent out by about 50. It’s been a tradition ever since. Also, whenever we have games that are considered the “Game of the Week,” we get pizza on Monday and steak on Wednesday.
Chris Burroughs
Lake View High School
Lake View, S.C.

How does your team come together before a game? What about after victory, defeat or deep in the off-season? Is there a prayer or chant you say together before the game? A meal you share? A movie you watch? Bring it to us at letters@stackmag.com. If we like what you got, we’ll feature your team story.

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