2008 Woodie Awards
Some SJSU cross country athletes take their superstitions to their heads
Samuel Lam
Issue date: 9/26/07 Section: Student Life
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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.
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