In the 1980s, in Walpole High’s rise to prominence as a field hockey power, a live pig, courtesy of local resident Leroy Jones, was a prominent presence on the Porker sideline at state tournament games.
Spirit is team building, camaraderie, and yes, fun. It is teamwork on display in many shapes and sizes.
A pig no longer patrols the sideline at Walpole these days, but the spirited tradition carries on.
“The Porker name, in and of itself, always draws attention,” said Walpole coach Jen Quinn, who directed her alma mater to its 13th Division 1 state title last November. “It adds a little bit more pride, and sets us apart from other teams.”
A perennial contender, Nashoba Regional utilizes a miniature-sized field hockey stick, Medfield has the Warrior Belt, King Philip an oversized rubber duck named Ernie, Bishop Feehan promotes the Hustle Hat, and there is now the Franklin panther, sporting a pink cowboy hat, represents the newest addition.
Win or lose, these teams award their special item to a different player at the end of each game and highlight their contributions on social media.
“It really adds to the team spirit,” said Bishop Feehan senior captain Lilly Marchand. “It’s just a fun little tradition we’ve incorporated that gets everyone excited for game day.”
The Hustle Hat, which resembles an Irish cap to align with their mascot, has supported the Shamrocks (9-3) through big games in the past four years, including a 4-1 win against Franklin on Saturday. But players don’t need to score a winning goal to be recognized; items are presented to players who have supported the team both on and off the field.
‘It allows everyone on the team to get recognition for their strengths, and encourages us all to do better as a whole.’
Senior defender Penelope Leung, on Bishop Feehan's Hustle Hat award
“You could be awarded [the Hustle Hat] if you’re a good teammate, if you have positive energy, or try something new in that game,” Bishop Feehan senior defender Penelope Leung said. “It allows everyone on the team to get recognition for their strengths, and encourages us all to do better as a whole.”
King Philip coach Kaitlyn Wilder introduced Ernie the Duck in her second season on the team. Ernie’s addition coincided with the team’s 14-5 “underdog” run last season; this fall, the Warriors, at 7-3-1, continue to work toward another playoff appearance.
“It resonated with us that first season,” Wilder said. “We were the underdogs and the lucky ducks. We made our fate and worked hard with it.”
Players nominate each other for the duck, which made senior captain Addison Lewis feel recognized when she was given Ernie for the first time by a senior captain.
“I was so surprised,” Lewis said. “I lacked confidence and I was really shocked that my teammates viewed me as a strong player on the team.”
Lewis returned the favor this year when she gave Ernie to her sophomore teammate, Ella Morgan, for recording one goal and two assists in a 3-3 tie against Foxborough in September.
“Her face completely lit up,” the senior captain said. “I could tell it meant a lot to her too, which I think is even better than getting it myself.”
Marchand and Leung described the Hustle Hat with “tradition” and “legacy” while Lewis associates Ernie with “community.” All three said they hope the tradition will continue to motivate their team after they graduate from their programs.
“When you get the duck, you’re the one carrying on the tradition from the year before,” Lewis said before comparing Ernie to their jersey. “You want to fulfill the purpose of the duck too.”
Though the items are humorous in nature, they hold a passionate meaning of support, hard work, and resilience that the players use to celebrate one another.
“At the end of the game when we’re in our huddle, win, lose, or draw, we announce who the hat goes to. [Seeing] the cheers that go out for their teammates and how happy they are for them. I mean, to me, that’s just part of the fun,” said Bishop Feehan coach Betsy D’Ambrosio.
Corner hits
▪ Only nine undefeated teams remain in the state, and six of them have yet to have a tie. In Division 1, Walpole is off to an 11-0 start, and Algonquin has won 12 straight. It’s far from surprising to see Watertown on the list of unbeaten and untied teams. Sandwich is another unbeaten in Division 3. Sutton and Maynard join the undefeated crew, and are among the top teams in the Division 4 power rankings. Lincoln-Sudbury, Central Catholic and Monomoy are all undefeated, but do have ties on their records this season.
▪ Bishop Feehan is on a roll. Starting with a 3-2 win against Catholic Central foe St. Mary’s on Thursday, handing the Spartans their first league loss of the season, the fourth Shamrocks continued on to a 4-1 upset of previously unbeaten Franklin on Saturday. Lilly Marchand had three points in the victory. The senior captain scored a goal in the first quarter, and then extended the Shamrocks’ lead with another in the fourth quarter . . . With four goals in a 6-0 victory over Minnechaug on Saturday, senior captain Bella DiFiore reached the 100 career point mark for No. 9 Andover.
Games of the week
No. 9 Andover at Uxbridge, Wednesday, 7 p.m. — Division 4 champion the last three years, Uxbridge does not shy away from playing the toughest programs in the state. The Tigers already went toe-to-toe last week with last year’s Division 1 champ, Walpole, and take on the 2021 and 2022 Division 1 winner Andover on Wednesday.
No. 6 Reading at No. 18 Belmont, Thursday, 4:15 p.m. — Reading is coming off a week off before facing two important Middlesex League contests, including this top 20 matchup against Belmont on Thursday.
No. 12 Lincoln-Sudbury at Algonquin, Thursday, 4:30 p.m. — An intriguing nonleague battle of unbeatens highlights Thursday’s packed field hockey docket. The Warriors have scored 21 goals in their last five games.
No. 3 Sandwich at Manchester Essex Friday, 4 p.m. — At the start of the season, this Cape Ann versus Cape Cod matchup was one both teams were looking forward to. Sandwich hopes to remain undefeated, while Manchester-Essex is looking for an important nonleague upset to help in the MIAA power rankings.
No. 15 Canton at Foxborough, Thursday, 5:30 p.m. — Canton hopes to extend its three-game winning streak in its rematch with Hockomock League foe Foxborough. The Bulldogs edged the Warriors, 3-2, on September 6th.
Correspondent Kat Cornetta contributed to this story.
Alexa Podalsky can be reached at alexa.podalsky@globe.com.