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SJSU cross country runner Jessica Gonzales has relied on a variety of superstitions, from lucky socks to eating pasta and potatoes during her running career.

Some SJSU cross country athletes take their superstitions to their heads

By: Samuel Lam

Posted: 9/26/07

Whether it's a lucky rabbit's foot or a traditional team cheer, athletes are known to be very superstitious in their field of sport.

Sometimes they believe that doing a certain routine will help them on the field. Others hold onto a tradition because it's been around for some time.

Unlike many sports teams, the SJSU men's cross country team does not have a long-time tradition. Other than a cheer before a race, there isn't one ritual that the team sticks to.

Team captain Gordie Throne said the runners usually have a pre-game huddle before each race, but that's the only thing they do together. The team does, however, do a lot of activities together after meets.

"We watch football and UFC fights," said Throne, an undeclared junior. "We also go to Wingstop. We eat there a lot. We do a lot of things together because we get along."

The camaraderie among the team is really deep, Throne said, which has helped the runners stay close to each other.

Senior Chris Hart, a member of the cross country team, said the team plans fun things to do right after practice.

"We sometimes plan a practice in Santa Cruz," said Hart, a senior justice studies major. "We just go there and go to the beach afterwards, just so everyone can hang out."

The closeness of the team was strengthened when sophomore runner David Haefele promised to cut his shoulder-length hair.

"They bugged me about it (last year)," said Haefele. "I told them next season I'll cut it all off."

The rest of the teammates decided to follow Haefele by shaving their heads, too.

"It was something different, but it brought the whole team together," Haefele said.

Teammate Luke Galvan, an undeclared freshman, said the runners have decided to keep their heads shaved throughout the season.

Similar to the men's team, the women's team does not have any team traditions, but a couple freshmen runners have personal rituals they practice to feel comfortable before each race.

Freshman Lauren Dubay said she hasn't noticed any team rituals, but she does have a superstition of her own.

"Right before the gunshot, I pull my toes, pull my (shoe) tongue and pick a wedgie," said Dubay, who is undeclared. "I have to do it or else I feel weird."

Dubay isn't sure when the superstition started for her, but said she has to always do it right before the race.

Her teammate, Jessica Gonzales, relies on her lucky socks before each race.

"I have a pair of lucky socks I wear every race," said Gonzales, who is undeclared. "I would put them on five minutes before the race."

After each race, Gonzales said she immediately washes her socks and folds them a certain way.

She said she started this superstition in junior high when she received the socks as a gift.

"My mom gave them to me as a gift," Gonzales said. "They're black socks with flames on them. I've been lucky with them."

Gonzales said she is a very superstitious person, and she has hopes to possibly get the team to do a ritual before matches.

"I'm trying to get them to do a cheer," she said. "That hasn't happened yet."