Are these seniors lucky or just talented student-athletes?

Superstitions have been around for centuries, furthermore evolving with the generations’ new fads and trends. You may have heard of “step on a crack, break your mother’s back,” or “knock on wood” — these are prime examples of superstitions that have been around for centuries.

In today’s society we have taken superstitions to another level to fit into the generation we live in. 

Roaming the halls of Gunnison High School (GHS), Ester Matias asked senior student-athletes if they believe in, or have any superstitions. 

Sam Buckhanan, who earlier this year was voted “Most Athletic,” has some very particular superstitions that he relies upon for his success. 

“Before every game I eat seven peanut M&Ms, and I wear the same compression shirt under my uniform for every game,” said Buckhanan.

When he did not follow his superstition, an accident occurred. On October 22, 2021, Buckhanan participated in a football game against the Meeker Cowboys, where he unfortunately tore his LCL.

“Before the game I had a Snickers, instead of peanut M&Ms, and a loose shirt I only wore twice,” he said. 

Buckhanan later recalled a game that took place last year against the Meeker Cowboys, where he wore the same loose shirt and two of his fellow teammates were injured. Maybe it was just a coincidence, or maybe it wasn’t. 

Riley Murphy believes in superstitions and has her own particular way of preparing for golf tournaments during the spring season. 

“My superstition for golf is I always put my hair in two braids, or else I play bad,” said Murphy. She believes that if her hair is not in two braids, then she would have bad luck, resulting in a bad day of golf.

Sports are a very important topic at GHS so it makes sense that the athletes would do superstitious acts to make them feel better.

Connor Zummach participates in many athletic activities, one of which is hockey. Zummach said that before every hockey game, he prepares in his own special way.

“I always drink a Yerba, and tape my stick,” said Zummach. On one occasion, when he didn’t drink a Yerba or tape his stick, he broke his collarbone. It’s safe to say he learned from his mistakes. 

Tahlayn Fee, who participates in softball, and basketball has a peculiar superstition.

“I have to do everything with the left side of my body first,” said Fee. She does this before every game. To clarify, that means Fee will focus her efforts on one side of her body in preparing for a contest. 

“One time I was catching in softball, and I put the right shin guard on first, and a foul ball whacked me on my thigh, where I have no padding,” she added.  

Whether it’s the right shirt, or the right snack, superstition runs thick throughout the hallways of GHS. These senior athletes have given their sports everything they’ve got, but even they need a little bit of luck.