Q&A: WGHS Athletes' Pregame Meals and Traditions

(photo by Victor Baldizon/NBAE/Getty Images)

The athletes at Walnut Grove High School reveal their secret to their success with some insight on their pregame meals and traditions.
by Drew Caraway and Ty Cameron

Q: What does your typical pregame meal look like?

• (Georgia Roberts, 9): “It’s usually, like, Chick-Fil-A, Zaxby’s, or Huey Magoos”
• (Tyquavious “Ty” Burce, 10): “It’s either like Longhorn, Chick-Fil-A, [or] Zaxby’s, you know, just the [usual].”
• (Jack Moss, 11): “Chicken, mashed potatoes and broccoli.” 
• (William “Emerson” Medlock, 12): “Whatever they provide for us. It’s usually Chick-Fil-A or something like that.”

Q: What does your day look like leading up to the game?

• (Tyquavious “Ty” Burce, 10): “It’s pretty chill, you know, pregame music. I like to get pumped up to like, get my energy up.”
• (Jack Moss, 11):  “[It’s a] regular day, [and] then you lock in like 3 hours before [gametime].”

Q:  What do you do before the game to get prepared and ready?

• (Georgia Roberts, 9): “We usually practice to get ready for the game.”
• (Tyquavious “Ty” Burce, 10): "I get a lot of shots up while I listen to [music].”
• (Jack Moss, 11): “I listen to music and drink a lot of caffeine.”
• (William “Emerson” Medlock, 12): “I just sit down and pray.”

Q: How did this pregame meal and/or traditions begin? What is the story behind it?

• ​(Tyquavious “Ty” Burce, 10): “I listen to NBA YoungBoy, Dre 60, Huncho, and Lil Baby.”
• (Jack Moss, 11): “The pregame meal was [decided by] the coaches and we made up the pregame ritual.”
• (William “Emerson” Medlock, 12): “Just, like, my faith and religion. It just kinda calms me pregame.”

(photo by The Endless Meal)

Before games, it is good to eat what is known as a “pregame meal.” A pregame meal is usually something light before a game or sporting event, to give the athlete more energy. Meals can include (University Hospitals): 

• “A 6-ounce grilled chicken breast (6 ounces) , with a bowl of pasta with light red sauce, peas or corn and water.”
• “A lean pork chop, served with brown rice or baked potato with light sour cream and light cheese, peas/corn.” 
• (photo by The Endless Meal)
• “A grilled chicken sandwich – but go easy on mayo, and skip the cheese. Round out the meal with fresh fruit and pretzels”
• Another good pregame meal would be a smoothie, mixed with berries and low on dairy, as berries provide a good source of energy and fiber needed for the game.

These are only examples of pregame meals, but according to Omaha.net, 3-4 hours before said game you should have, “all the nutrients on one plate including lean protein, complex carbs, fat, and fibre.” 

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