For the Love of the Game

January 25, 2010  
Filed under Feature

It is not only about the love of the game for senior Shane Steelman. It’s about the fans, the intensity, the all around atmosphere of playing basketball.

“I enjoy everything about basketball. From playing the game to the screaming fans,” Steelman said, who has been playing his whole life.“Basketball has taught me teamwork and determination.”

In preparation of the games, Steelman has a unique pregame habit.

“I just kind of chill, I get into a calm hype. There’s a fire burning but there is an ice shield around it,” Steelman said.

That all changes once the ball is tipped off.

“Once the game starts, the fire comes out,” Steelman said.

He also plays soccer and baseball at OHS.

Senior Kristyn Watts has played basketball competitively since she was in third grade.

“Starting that young helped me to be more experienced in high school competition,” Watts said.

Sports can teach a lot of lessons.

“I think it has given me people skills because you have to rely on others to achieve a common goal. That’s my own personal definition of teamwork,” Watts said.

As many players and teams have their traditions, and so do Watts and the Lady Cyclones.

“I have to straighten my hair on game day. Then Shelby braids it. I get my ankles taped, too. Then the team gets in a circle and holds hands. We say one thing we would like to do good during the game. Then we sing the traditional pre-game song which is a mixture of “Oh Holy Night”, “Final Countdown” and “Eye of the Tiger”. Then we go out and warm up.

Basketball is a big part of Watts’ life. She loves everything about it.

“Of course I love to win, who doesn’t? But I really enjoy the bonding and closeness of the team itself. We have a lot of great memories every year,” she said.

It may be the fans, the teamwork, the memories or just the love of the game, but for seniors their least favorite part is that this could be their last year.

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Abby New

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