Throughout the school year, various sports teams celebrate their seniors with an array of festivities compiled into the traditional “Senior Day.”
Student athletes dedicate hours per week training for competitions, working with coaches, and then actually competing. Seniors, some of which have been participating for their entire high school careers, can look forward to this recognition for their hard work.
As teams have their older and younger athletes, each senior is given a group of “littles” that contribute to their celebration lineup. To show their appreciation, the underclassmen decorate senior lockers with names and pictures, create signs, and share words of admiration for their respective senior.
“My favorite memory from everything surrounding ‘Senior Day’ was when we found out our littles, because it’s a great tradition that I’ve been looking forward to for a while,” said senior Cougarettes captain Taylor S.
Through traditions such as this one and many more, younger athletes on the team play an enormous role in the success of this day.
Besides attending the game, there are various ways in which students are able to involve themselves in the festivities of this day. One major way in which they can do so is by “repping” one of the student athletes.
Typically, the athletes will ask a few friends to wear their jersey or merchandise as the athletes dress formally. This helps to spread the word about such an important event, while also providing for photo opportunities.
“Everyone always gets so excited for repping because the team gets more support, recognition, and excitement within the school, all through taking pictures with your closest friends on-and-off the team,” said junior volleyball player Emerson A.
While most sports include repping, locker decorations, and signs into their “Senior Day” agenda, some sports have additional unique traditions.
“I have always been looking forward to being able to run into the water [at Sunken Meadow State Park] after my senior meet. It feels like so much hard work and practice has paid off for this one special moment,” said senior cross country team leader, Emma S.
As this is for the student athlete, it can be just as sentimental for the parents. For most cases, these parents have done so much work to get their child to the position that they are at right now.
Many teams, such as basketball and soccer, hold ceremonies to recognize those off the court who have made such a large, positive impact towards the team.
“I am really looking forward to my ‘Senior Day’, because I can already tell how special it is going to be,” said freshman cheerleader Zoey B.◼️
