What goes on behind the scenes of a national championship football team? NCC football is the talk of the town. They are coming off a national championship in 2022 and continuing this season with the same goal in mind: win another championship.
How do players cope with the pressure surrounding them this season? Any athlete can relate to the pressure surrounding a competition and the many different mental aspects that go into it.
Kicker Sean Ryniec, ’27, explained that he does “feel a little pressure to perform to the best of my abilities, but as the weeks go on I have built confidence to get the job done when I jog out for opening kickoff or a field goal when it’s needed.” Each player may cope with pressure in different ways.
“I cope with the pressure through breathing techniques that I use before I run out onto the field because, unlike the rest of the players, when I get a chance to make a play I only have one opportunity, so I have to make the most out of it,” said Ryniec.
Defensive lineman Myron Lewis, ’24, explained how pressure is dealt with by the team as a whole.
“I also tend to lean on my teammates because we all share it,” said Myron.
Though players may deal with pressure individually, ultimately, they know they can lean on each other in tough times.
Superstitions
Almost every athlete has their superstitions throughout their season. Ryniec explained some of his superstitions when it comes to playing football.
“I have to wear an inside-out shirt and I put my knee pads in the same way each time,” said Ryniec. “Since I have been doing this, I have been performing well in practice and games, so I’m going to keep this going unless something changes.”
Lewis repeated similar sentiments.
“Before games I have worn the same shirts for games and practice because we have not lost in them yet,” said Lewis. Superstitions such as these can boost confidence and improve individual performance because the player believes he can do well after carrying out the superstition.
Not many people realize these mental health aspects behind being on a championship team. There’s more to it than what meets the eye.
The mental preparation that goes into it is essential, especially for Ryniec.
“I mentally prepare for a game a few nights before. I try not to go out and I take care of my body by hydrating, icing, and I try to go to bed early,” he explained. Each player handles mental preparation differently.
“On game day I tune everyone out,” said Lewis. “Listening to music gets me hyped up.” It can be difficult for athletes to keep up with the demand of needing to perform at their peak for so long. This often leads to mental health struggles.
Utilizing Dyson
When it comes to mental health for athletes and students, the Dyson Wellness Center (DWC) is an on-campus resource that students can use.
Matthew Marjan, a counselor at DWC explained how they encourage athletes to use their services.
“At the start of every semester, we will meet with the various teams each season to give them a rundown of Dyson Wellness Center’s services,” said Marjan. “We provide them with materials on what we can provide and encourage them to take advantage. We try to destigmatize mental health care and present it in the context of encouraging them to be feeling their best, so they can perform at their best.”
Being in a sport can take a toll on an athlete’s mental health. Many may need some support to work through their struggles. The DWC emphasizes that this is not something to be ashamed of.
For the fans
Looking from the fans’ perspective, one of the best parts about going to a football game is to show support for the team. But does the fans’ presence at games make it more stressful for players to deliver to expectations? Or is it the atmosphere that gives players motivation to do well in front of their supporters?
Ryniec explained his view on fans at games, “I love when fans come out to watch the games,” said Ryniec. “Without them, the atmosphere and the vibe of the game wouldn’t be there. With all of the fans in attendance, there is more of a drive to play well and show everyone what we as players can do out on the field.” Fans can be one of the biggest motivating factors to help encourage the team.
It takes a lot to be a student-athlete and balance the challenges that come with it. Not many people take the time to look at what’s behind the helmet: the struggles dealt with quietly as the team continues on its loud path of success.
