Text: tradition – Mater Dei High School Football Team ‘Pride Drill’

Context:

According to my brother, who plays on the Mater Dei High School Varsity football team, the ‘Pride Drill’ is a powerful tradition that fosters teamwork and camaraderie among players. This drill takes place after every game, regardless of whether the team wins or loses. Beyond its role in strengthening team bonds, the ‘Pride Drill’ also marks a player’s transition from Junior Varsity to Varsity, symbolizing their growth and commitment. Both my brother and my father, who also played football at Mater Dei, have participated in this tradition. While neither of them knows its exact origins, they believe it dates back to when their coach was a player at the school. For them, the ‘Pride Drill’ represents not just a ritual but an essential part of what it means to be a Mater Dei football player.

Analysis:

The ‘Pride Drill’ at Mater Dei High School is more than just a post-game routine. It is a deeply rooted tradition that fosters camaraderie, teamwork, and a sense of belonging within the football team. It serves both as a ritualistic practice and an initiation rite marking players from Junior Varsity to Varsity. This milestone reinforces their growth and status within the team while strengthening their connection to its legacy.

Beyond its function, the drill holds significant symbolic meaning. It unites players, ensuring they remain connected regardless of a game’s outcome. It also serves as a rite of passage, signifying a player’s advancement and deeper integration into the program. Additionally, the tradition is believed to date back to a former coach who once played for the school which reinforces a sense of continuity between past and present athletes.

Socially and psychologically, the drill fosters team cohesion by bringing players together and reinforcing their shared identity. It also provides emotional stability, helping them process both victories and losses collectively. Additionally, distinguishing Varsity players from JV creates a motivational structure that encourages younger athletes to strive for progression.