Whether it be a family tradition, paying tribute to a famous athlete with the same number or simply a lucky number, FHS athletes choose their jersey numbers for a variety of reasons. Whatever that reason may be, FHS athletes, and athletes in general, are very particular when it comes to choosing a jersey.

“In elementary school a girl I didn’t like had the number 27, so the next year I decided to take the number and I’ve been number 27 ever since,” Freshman Jordyn Hartle said.

While this is one of the more peculiar reasons to choose a number, Hartle isn’t alone in having the same number for a long period of time.

“I’ve been playing football for 11 years and 6 out of the 11 years I’ve been number 23,” Senior Lucas Yeck said.

Typically when choosing jerseys upperclassmen receive the first pick. After the jerseys in better condition have been picked through, the underclassmen are then allowed to choose a jersey from the ones that are left over.

“After the upperclassmen picked their jerseys I just got stuck with whatever numbers were left in my size,” Freshman Michael Muron said.

While some athletes are extremely picky when it comes to their jersey number, others have just a few specifications for wearing a particular number.

“Some numbers are just cooler than others,” Freshman Jason Norman said. “Single digit numbers are usually what I go for. Numbers like 2, 3, and 8 are ‘cooler’ than numbers like 9 and 4 and if I choose a double digit jersey the numbers have to be in order (12, 23, 34 etc.),” Norman said.

However, the large majority of athletes simply pick numbers that are lucky to them. Seniors Amanda Fischer and Collin Gilarno along with Sophomore Kody Komara say this about the jersey numbers they have choosen. Whatever the reason may be, each athlete has a unique story when it comes to wearing a certain number.