By: Paul T. Zeien Jr.

Well, it has been a while since my last eye on sports article but I had an idea earlier in the year for a story that was based on a discussion that I had with Belvidere’s Coach Hearn. We some how got on the subject of coaching superstitions. As we talked it dawned on me that this might be interesting to find out what some of the coaches do prior to games to curb their nerves.

Superstition as defined by the dictionary.com website is “An irrational belief that an object, action, or circumstance not logically related to a course of events influences its outcome.”  Everyone has different ways of dealing with the pre-game emotions. There were people that I played sports with that would simply put on headphones and rock back and forth. There were others that chose a substance induced method of relieving the butterflies that were building. All of the preparation seemed to go away with the first hit across the line or that first take down in wrestling. This article will shed a little behind the scenes look at some of the irrational beliefs that are supposed to help influence the outcome of sporting events.

Many pro coaches and athletes have some pretty over the edge superstitions. George Seifert, long time coach of the San Francisco 49ers, was known for his crazy superstitions here are some examples. Blowing three times on his Lifesavers before popping them into his mouth; Refusing to step on the helmet painted on the practice field; Eating Chinese food every Tuesday; Arranging his napkin and silverware in precise but mysterious ways; His pre-game, shirtless lap around the locker-room; This is hard to believe the coach that was always so calm cool and collected had all of these rituals.
College coaches are no different. Wisconsin Badger Softball Coach Chandelle Schulte stated during a playoff run “I haven't worn a necklace that I was wearing two weeks ago (once we started winning without it). Some other superstitions include where we sit in the dugout, what you eat in the morning ... whatever makes you feel good about that day.”

I thought it might be interesting to ask the Belvidere Coaches about some of their superstitions and here are some responses from them. Coach Ben Commare “Unfortunately, I do not believe in such superstitions. However, some of my assistant varsity coaches will sit on the bench at a certain spot or sit next to a certain player because they believe it to be good luck. I only wish it always worked. The only ritual, if you can call it that, is that will never write on the wipe board in the color of the opposing team.” Coach Hearn has these superstitions. I always walk in front with the team out before we warm up but come around the front of the stadium while they go "through the alley" before they run onto the field. I must have a specific head set even though either one works. I wear a specific hat each year. I put the "official’s card" they give me before each game in my wallet. I shake hands with Coach Whitehead as we run on the field. I wear "home and away" coaching clothes. (Opposite colors until it gets too cold, then the coats come out!). I want the QB to make sure he has "his ball".

My favorite Coaching story was submitted by Coach Christine Mackey the Girl’s Varsity Soccer Coach. Her story is as follows: I do have one superstition with soccer coaching....It started my first year as head coach.  I get extremely nervous before games so I started to eat sunflower seeds.  (It was better than biting my nails).  I continued to do that the entire game.  I have not stopped since.  I need a bag of sunflower seeds and a bottle of Gatorade or water before every game (home or away).  I am not sure if that is what you are looking for with your story.
 
I also give a letter to my varsity girl's soccer team before every game.  Sometimes it is an actual letter that I have written to them (for encouragement)...sometimes it is something I found online or in a book.  Sometimes it is a quote or some sort of useless information that they find funny.  They have all gotten use to getting one and they will ask me for it if I forget to give it out.  Some of the girls have kept everyone that I have ever given them.  One girl puts it in her shin guard (sock) before the game. 

As the school season winds down for the 2005-2006 school year. I think that it is important to thank our coaches, volunteers, and administration that help provide the sports programs in our area. I hope that after you read this article that when you are sitting in the stands prior to a game and you see one of the coaches sitting in a certain place, taking a special walk, or eating sunflower seeds you will remember this story. I also hope that it will bring a little smile to your face knowing that they are starting to get their game face on.

Thanks to all the coaches that submitted their rituals / superstitions for the writing of this article.