Well ladies, I know we all feel it outside. That nip in the air, the frost on the grass in the morning … it can only mean one thing: It’s almost playoff time!
Your Stampeders are in a good position to take the West Division after that crazy last second win in Hamilton on Friday.
Speaking of that game, it happened to fall on Friday the 13th so I thought the topic for this blog should be about superstitions.
Football players are all about routine, routine, routine. They’re also very secretive when it comes to the things they like to do before a game – their “lucky” habits – so I had to swear not to reveal names when it comes to their superstitions.
As mentioned, most players are all about routine. They wake up at the same time, they arrive to the stadium around the same time, they talk to the same person. A certain someone calls to talk to their parents before every game.
Food is important. One player (again, sworn to secrecy) eats the same thing each and every game day. Another player takes food to the next level, saying “never eat chicken before a game, because you are what you eat.”
Some superstitions require the help of their teammates. Certain players ALWAYS warm up together before official warm-ups. There are secret hand shakes, dances and celebrations performed before each and every match. Players have to stand next to specific teammates during anthems and even have to be in the same place during team prayer ahead of game time.
Music is a big part of pre-game preparations. Many players listen to the same song in pre-warm ups; one pauses their favorite jam at a specific second before hitting the field.
Equipment is the other big one. Specific cleats have to go on in the right order, even the order in which all the equipment goes on is practiced to a tee.
Coaches also get in on the superstitions. One wears the same outfit to every game, down to the unmentionables.
As for me, well, it’s the red wedge sideline shoes of course. I’ve worn them on game days in nice weather starting back in 2012. And don’t worry, I have back-up “lucky” winter boots, too. Just for fun, I went back to have a look at the Stamps’ record since 2012 and the red shoes are 40-4-1.
All in all, it might sound silly, but hey … we’re 13-1-1 this season so something must be working!
One more note: did you guys see the pink tape, flags, towels and helmets during the away game in Hamilton? If you don’t already know, it’s all about PinkPower in October around the CFL. PinkPower started as an initiative between the Canadian Cancer Society and the Stampeders in 2008 as part of a concerted effort to support the battle against women’s cancers and help raise awareness.
More than a quarter of a million dollars has been raised to date through Pink Power and the club is hoping to do more at our next home game, Oct. 20. Limited edition pink Stampeders merchandise will be available for purchase, with all the proceeds going to the Canadian Cancer Society.
If you’re attending the game, or have thought about it, please consider supporting this incredible initiative. Stamps fans are some of the most generous people I have seen in the CFL and it’s incredible the amount of support shown in the past.
Check out Stamps TV this week where we’ll feature stories on players who have been directly impacted by women’s cancers and why your support is crucial and greatly appreciated.