By LINDSEY KOMSON
The boys varsity soccer program has experienced a number of trips to the playoffs throughout its history, and one tradition that the players have carried on for nearly 20 years of postseason play is getting mohawk haircuts. Social studies teacher and coach Mr. Whelan said, “I’ve been coaching here a long time, and I can tell you it goes back at least to the early 2000s.” Once the team’s regular season play ends, the boys all head to the barber shop to get their new hairstyle ready for the postseason. When the players came into school during the first week of playoffs this year, they all agreed that the feeling of excitement was present throughout the halls. Junior co-captain Jordan M. said, “Once you see them [the mohawks], you know it’s playoffs and it’s a lot of fun. It gets everyone hyped for the games.”
This tradition is looked forward to by many throughout the district including players, coaches and even students. “I think when the whole school is behind you, it’s more exciting, and you want to win more,” said sophomore goalie Jake L.
Curriculum Associate of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics Mr. Mankowich explained that when kids see the varsity players sporting their mohawks around school, “it kind of helps to advertise ‘Hey, we’re in the playoffs. Come down and see us play.’” Senior co-captain Michael M. said, “The mohawks are the signature playoff look. Therefore, there’s a lot of pressure on us from our parents, fans, and our coaches as well.”
The mohawks aren’t the only source of pressure. Several senior members of the team explain how many championship wins in recent years put pressure on the players. Senior striker Hunter T. said, “I don’t think it was so much the mohawks, but the tradition of past championships here.”
Above all, the boys consider this ritual not only a way to show school spirit, but to build a feeling of brotherhood among themselves as a team. Junior Jordan M. said the bond that the team forms is one that is unbreakable. Senior midfielder Luke J. said, “It’s a sort of camaraderie that we all develop.” Hunter T. added, “It sort of symbolizes that we’re all unified as one. So, we all have the same haircut–all one team, all one family.”
And for some seniors on the team, this was their last time participating in this custom, forcing them to bid an emotional farewell. Senior co-captain Aaron J. said, “For the seniors, it was our last time, so we left it all on the field.”
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