Athletes Still Search for Supernatural Help

After almost two decades, NHS students still have superstitions in order to play their game to the best of their abilities.

During the 2017-2018 school year, Nutley High School celebrated 100 years of the Nutley High School newspaper, which was first published in 1918. The current News department of this year's Maroon and Gray dug up issues from the past to find articles to honor this special occasion. During our research, we uncovered an article in a sports magazine called, From The Locker Room, which was published in December 1998. The issue explored the superstitions of sports.

Have you ever worn your lucky socks, because you believe they will help you ace that test? Have you ever eaten 12 grapes or worn red underwear on New Year’s Eve, because you believe it will bring you luck in the upcoming year? Or have you ever spit into your hand before you pick up at bat, because you believe it will give you good luck when you hit?

“A superstition is a traditional belief that a particular action can cause an unrelated event. When people are faced with situations they have no control over-- which they rely on ‘luck’ or ‘chance’ -- superstitions because sports teams need a combination of both luck and skill to be victorious at any level. According to athletes of Nutley High School, the kind of clothing you wear, the type of food to eat or even the rituals you perform before a game could enhance your chances of winning,” (“Athletes Reach Beyond Talent for Supernatural Help!,” From the Locker Room, 1998).

Today, our NHS athletes are no different than the athletes features in the 1999 issue of the Maroon and Gray. They believe that by religiously incorporating rituals in their pre-game routines, they are preparing for a win.

Juliana Caruso - Sophomore - Crew - Before every race she has to make sure her hair is braided in two French braids. She also must wear her gray Nike hat.

Sara Elphick - Junior - Cheer Team - Before every competition she makes sure she has on the same socks and perfume.

Sophia Budinich - Freshman - Dancer - Before every dance she chugs a pixy stick.

Mia Eltzholtz - Freshman - Track - She has to wear French braids for every single track meet.

Samantha Melson - Freshman - Dancer - She writes down “I will win” 22 times because it’s her lucky number.

Nicole Kane - Sophomore - Track - She wears the same hair tie every track meet.

Courtney Wilde - Junior - Softball - Her team puts a necklace that says “sivako” (rise to the challenge) in their back pockets when playing.

Jordan Kubelka - Junior - Cheerleader -  The team eats starbursts before their competitions.

Matthew Chimento - Junior - Football - Before every game he listens to "Can’t Be Touched," by Roy Jones Jr.

Sofia Lamond- Sophomore - Soccer -  She listens to hip hop or rap wearing Red Beats Solo 2 headphones. 

Having superstitions give a reason behind something good happening, like scoring the homerun that won the championship or scoring the winning shot with three seconds left on the clock. This method strengthens the skill of a player to believe that they have the power to achieve their goals, because they feel secure. If they don’t do it, most would feel less encouraged while playing, and not have that vote of confidence and empowerment, which can lose the game.