Whether it’s the Seattle Mariners “Cheetah Time” dance at the end of games, or the Seattle Seahawks raising the “12” flag before every home game: every sports team relies on traditions to keep them going. At Garfield High School, numerous teams partake in various social, athletic, and financial rituals to fuel the fun and strengthen their talents.
Garfield’s Cross Country team holds many traditions dear to them, fostering a collaborative community and preparing racers athletically. Each season, the runners have a team sleepover where they stay at a teammates house to eat food and build connections. Seniors on the team also organize a scavenger hunt and a “chocolate milk mile” where members run 4x4s while chugging chocolate milk throughout the neighborhood that evening. The team also hosts four to five “Pasta Feeds” per season. “The night before races we go to someone’s house and just load up on carbs together,” described a senior on the team, Mia Hawkins. Team members share varieties of pasta, garlic bread, and bond over good food and company. The team’s community building traditions not only offer them a bit of good luck, but build lasting relationships between team members.
The Garfield Softball team, while generally keeping things more spontaneous, has a few consistent traditions to support their team and honor their players. Every year, they hold a fundraiser, engaging in friendly competition and raising money to keep the team afloat. Maddy Woodling, a senior and four year player for Garfield Softball, explained, “at the beginning of every season we sell University of Washington (UW) softball tickets and whoever sells the most tickets is awarded a Garfield sports jacket!” This annual tradition makes a big difference in both the team’s finances as well as their sense of community. The team also holds an annual ceremony for their seniors to award their hard work and dedication. Players make posters to honor their senior teammates, the coach gives a speech in their honor, and the team enjoys a variety of foods together.
Finally, Garfield’s Fall Swim and Dive (Swive) team, cherishes many traditions for both fun and sustainability. Traditions like “Secret Buddies,” a rendition of Secret Santa, shines light on the fun and team building involved in the sport. Like many others, they also hold traditions to gather contributions for the team. Aviva Rohlfsen, a senior and three year member of Garfield’s Swive, said, “every year we do a tailgate fundraiser at a UW Huskies game where we go around selling baked goods to raise money.” In 2025 alone, the team raised roughly $2,000 in the span of two hours to fund equipment, swim suits, swim pads, and goggles which they get little funding for elsewhere. Every small tradition like these makes all the difference in keeping the team alive and tightening their bonds with each other.
