Bloomington High School South, The Gothic, 2016, Page 136

Description:	oThe pregame rituals are whatmade the softball team clickinto place this season.The locker room buzzed with laughterand nervous chatter as BloomingtonSouths softball team prepared for theirgame. The pre-game rituals were whatmakes the game fun for the athletes.Freshman Elizabeth Halsted fitright into the vibe the upperclassmen fielding. Whats great is that anytime a team member makes a mistake,created. Whenever the seniors go to someone is always thereto back them up, Hurley said. The team workedtalk to the refs, we draw a paw print inthe dirt and do a cheer, Halstead said.This tradition has been a fun addition tothe rather stressful environment beforeas a unit to tag the runner or base to get their opponents out. Thisrequired tremendous focus and determination during the game. [Mymain goal] is to relax and get my throws down. I want to make sureeveryone knows where to go with the ball, Halstead said. The teamsgame. The upcoming events were composure and talent on the field caused them to beat their competitorsduring the season.After the last pitch was thrown and the game ended, the athletesdidnt just leave the field. We always run out to centerfield and, if wewin, the team creates a tunnel for the coaches to run through, Halsteadsimultaneously nerve racking andexciting for sophomore Olivia Hurley. Ijust love the atmosphere from theteam, Hurley said. I always knoweveryone will support me at all times. said_ Thjs ongoing tradition was special to Halsted. Everyone is reallyAfter the paw print is spit on, the upDeat about everything, Halstead said. The team [is good at] bringinggirls dash onto the field. My favorite rUS] up>» After this ritual, the coaches brought the entire group togetherpart is running onto the field and then t0 have a smaN ta)k about the game_ «They gjve a speech about positivesplitting off [to our positions], Halstead thjngs that happened or areas in which we can improve, Halstead said.said- Although the overall goal of any team was to compete and win, theOne of the many things that the softba 11 team did this while also being supportive and compassionate tosoftball players took pride in was their one another which was an equally incredible reward.&olve - SARAH BROWN 136
Source:	http://cdm17129.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/hs-bloomsouth/id/9772
Collection:	Bloomington High School South

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