Getting ready for game day is the highlight of every college student’s week. Everyone has their own “Get Ready With Me” game-day traditions, whether it’s playing a hype playlist or ensuring they have the perfect outfit for the stadium—some even have special game-day meals! But how do our student-athletes prepare for the bright lights of our beautiful stadium? A representative of the Southern Digest spoke with three outstanding students from our band, football, and cheerleading programs on campus to find out.
The first person the Southern Digest spoke with was Zaire Registre, a sophomore mass communication major from Miami, Florida, and a member of the infamous Human Jukebox Marching Band. Zaire explained that on game days, he has an early morning practice called by Dr. Taylor, the head band director, around seven or eight o’clock. To ensure punctuality, he sets an alarm for five or six in the morning, emphasizing the dedication required, even on weekends. Once awake, he showers, follows his facial routine, and selects his attire which is shorts and whatever band shirt to look his best for the game. During his commute to practice, Zaire listens to the original songs of what the band is playing. Zaire said, “ When I listen to how the songs sound it helps me get in the mindset for the game and to make sure I play the correct key on my instrument”. During the morning practice, the band has a quick run-through of everything that they will be performing during the game. He said once the morning practices are over, they get a two-hour break to relax and tailgate. Zaire said, “ Once everyone comes to the band room at our meet time we must be fully dressed and in the band ready to warm up for the game”. Then once the band is done warming up and starts lining up to enter the stadium, the show begins
Next, a representative of the Southern Digest spoke with Braxton Blackwell, a senior in interdisciplinary studies from Gulfport, Mississippi, and the special teams’ long snapper. Braxston detailed his game day routine on Thursdays and Fridays, where the team “locks in” to make sure everyone is prepared for the game. Following Friday’s practice, the team heads to the hotel to rest and get ready for Saturday’s game. Braxton said, “ I try not to do too much with preparing for the game like most players because that doesn’t work for me. Just being focused and praying helps me get ready for the game”.Braxston emphasized he tries not to think too much about the game itself because, for him, everything is more mental than physical. His game day ritual includes putting on headphones, listening to artists like Polo G or Drake, and engaging in personal and team prayers. He also shares a moment with his family as the team walks up to the stadium. Once the team is at the stadium, they conduct a final run-through, including prayers, before giving their all on the field.
Lastly, the Southern Digest had the opportunity to speak with one of our Southern cheerleaders, Mattie Ward, a sophomore majoring in therapeutic recreation and leisure studies from Tampa, Florida. “Honestly, game days are the longest days ever,” Mattie described. Mattie said her game-day routine consists of waking up at eight o’clock in the morning, eating breakfast, and doing any assignments that haven’t been completed yet. Mattie exemplifies the student-athlete concept Southern University values. Done with her work, she then starts to get ready by taking a shower and putting the first layer of her uniform on. While getting ready, Mattie likes to turn on her hype music and then start on her makeup.“Sometimes it takes an hour and a half to do my makeup and then after I do my makeup, I start on my hair and then putting on my uniform.” When Mattie is done getting her uniform on, she packs her bag and makes sure that she has water, snacks, and everything else she would need for that day. In the meantime, while she waits for the game to start, Mattie fills her time by making TikToks and socializing at the tailgate as she waits for the game. After socializing, the team meets up for the Jaguar Walk and takes photos. Then, they cool down in the fieldhouse before beginning warm-up routines, including stunts and tumbling, in preparation for the game. As Mattie puts it, “It’s showtime.”
These programs practice diligently day in and day out to ensure fans have an exciting experience at the games. They have been working tirelessly to ensure Southern University shines, both in appearance and performance, compared to Jackson State. We hope all programs have a terrific year.
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Getcha’ Head in the Game: Game Day GRWM
September 12, 2023
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