Yes, dressing for game day does make a difference

Bryce Frederick and Hyungsong Ko
February 22, 2017

Tradition holds in the athletic program that, like in professional sports, varsity and junior varsity athletes sport dress attire on game days.

After having to dress up for football, basketball, and baseball games in his first two years, junior Danny Beard can attest to what dress codes mean for an athlete.

“If you can put on a shirt and tie in the morning and look pretty good, then I think that you can look good in the game,” Beard said.  “Feel good, look good, play good.”

Boys varsity basketball head coach Matt Lochte cites the importance of dressing up.

“As a team, dressing up allows us to separate ourselves,” Lochte said, “it’s not necessarily another day in the office, but it’s game day, time to focus up.”

Boys lacrosse head coach Kyle Fiat penalizes his players, like Panthers’ head coach Ron Rivera did to the 2015 National Football League Most Valuable Player Quarterback Cam Newton, when they fail to meet dress code rules.

“I think anytime you allow that individuality to come out, in terms of what people are wearing, it takes away from the team concept and unification,” Coach Fiat said.

Girls programs have the option to wear uniforms on game days, but often show dresses or skirts.

“It’s recognition for our program, as well as a mental preparation for us.  If you dress poised you’re going to go out and play with poise,” junior girls basketball captain Lydia Naughton said.Boys varsity lacrosse and basketball player Patrick Unger frequently stands out on game days, wearing vibrant shirts, ties and an occasional blazer.

“Honestly I wake up my mom picks the clothes, irons the shirt, I don’t do much I just put it on and try to look the best,” Unger said.