See the issue: April 2008

How does your team welcome new players? 

My team welcomes new players first by telling them that once they are part of this team, they've joined a family. We let them know that we have their backs no matter what the circumstances, and we expect the same from them.
Jesse Martin, Wilde Lake High School / Columbia, Md.

We scrimmage to let the new player show us what he can do on the court. This way, respect is established between the new player and the current players.
Rick Kern Springfield High School / Springfield, Pa.

Usually, word spreads pretty fast that there's a new guy. By the time it gets around, he's made out to be a super athlete, so everybody's anxious and ready for the next Reggie Bush or Julius Peppers. When he finally comes, he's usually pretty cool and down to earth like we are. We show him around for a few days, and after that he's just one of the guys.
Tyler Hunter Laurens High School / Gray Court, S.C.

How does your team unite 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@stack.com. If we like what you got, well feature your team story.

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