RM athletes go through gruesome practices leading up to their game, building their stamina to endure real-game scenarios. However, most athletes need to not only rest but also fuel their bodies with sufficient food to give them the energy to undergo matches or games at their best potential. It isn’t just to give them energy, it’s the psychological element that gives them a major confidence boost.
Athletes love team meals, where they eat with their teammates before a game. This allows them to connect, bridging any potential gaps in the team while also allowing them to discuss game plans., “We often get food as a team before game days at local places like Jersey Mike’s or Chipotle. It benefits by not only giving us energy but also helps with team bonding,” senior basketball player Taresh Dunn said.
However, some athletes prefer to eat before a game but are told not to, resulting in them having to fast. In this case, wrestling is known by many athletes as the sport where you do anything to lose pounds to make their weight class, and in this case, this means not eating the day off or even the day before matches or tournaments., “We drink water sometimes but other than that eating isn’t a good thing for wrestling, especially before matches,” Junior Isisah Womack said.
Instead, wrestlers have to find other ways to combat their hunger and prepare psychologically for a match. “I usually warm up to music and practice moves with other wrestlers,” senior wrestler Juliana Wong said. “I found chewing gum and talking with friends also helps.”
Other winter sports athletes are given useful advice from their coaches and other teammates to prepare for matches. “The night before, the team usually eats a lot of carbs, which gives us a boost of energy leading into the swim meet,” senior swimmer Wesley Leeroy said. “A few hours before the meet I also love to eat ground beef because red meat in general has a bunch of antioxidants, nutrients, and protein, helping me prepare and giving me a final boost in energy.”
Nonetheless, every athlete has their favorite beverage or snack before a game, helping them clear their mind and feel energized. “My favorite pregame meal is an açaí bowl with a blue or white Gatorade. Knowing that I’m eating healthy allows me to feel my best so I can play my best,” senior ice hockey player Lester Benitez said. “Skittles are my favorite, they give me a good jolt of energy and have become part of my routine,” Dunn said.
Whether athletes decide to partake in pregame fuel or not, many agree that there are benefits that come from them, generating a sense of comfortability. In the end, most athletes have found their pregame meals not only to be a significant part of their preparation for an upcoming game, but a vital ritual to give them confidence in feeling their best.
