The first Monday after the season’s final game—unless you’ve won the championship—can be a melancholy day. Some scholars have suggested that Tuckman’s Teambuilding stages of “Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing” should include a fifth stage: “Mourning,” acknowledging the natural conclusion of a team’s season and the inevitable changes in relationships among teammates.
While mourning is a natural process, and we shouldn’t suppress genuine emotions, our society has begun shifting toward celebrating life rather than dwelling on loss. In our football program, we’ve intentionally chosen to embrace this perspective by celebrating the season’s end. This approach transforms what could be a grieving period into a meaningful commemoration of our seniors’ impact on both our team and our lives. We’ve crafted a conclusion that offers a positive, uplifting, and deeply personal experience for all teammates, particularly our graduating seniors.
The celebration begins on the field, where we bring out the ball bag and simply let the players play. It invariably evolves into spirited one-on-one matchups, with linemen challenging defensive backs or attempting to run routes as receivers. When players start lobbying to play quarterback, we know they’ve had their fill of fun and it’s time for the next phase.
We then gather on the midfield logo, where we ask our seniors to disperse to their most meaningful spots on the field while their teammates observe their chosen locations. Upon returning to the group, each senior shares the significance of their chosen spot, often revealing touching or humorous memories that shaped their high school football experience. The ceremony concludes with our underclassmen forming a line, allowing each senior to walk off the field one final time while exchanging handshakes, hugs, and heartfelt words with their “brothers.”
When we finally return to the fieldhouse to turn in equipment, the mood is noticeably lighter. Players leave with smiles, having supported one another through a positive celebration of their shared experiences and cherished memories. This tradition helps transform what could be a sorrowful ending into a meaningful celebration of brotherhood and growth.
Coach Rich Alercio is available to discuss coaching philosophy, X’s & O’s, or teach his O-Line “techniques in the trenches.” Contact Coach at richalercio@gmail.com and share http://www.olineskills.com with your colleagues and friends. Thanks for supporting this blog and joining our conversations, and as always, thanks for your time!
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