Hazing, a fun and harmless way to initiate players into a sport, has become a tradition in the halls of Homestead for many years now. Each year, seniors decide that it is necessary to have a “Fun Day” for freshmen and any new players to varsity.

This “Fun Day” entails waking up the players at very early hours in the morning and getting them excited for the day ahead of them. The dazed and confused players are thrown into the craziest outfits imaginable, and then generally taken out to breakfast before school.

There are some people who look at hazing as a demeaning activity, but most of the students at Homestead view it as acceptable with the belief that it is all done in fun and not meant to hurt anyone’s feelings. “Waking the freshmen up so early and dressing them up is a great way to get closer as a team. There’s nothing like seeing a teammate at 5:30 in the morning,” Rachel Zimdars, dance team senior, said.

According to an article on hazing by the Texas A&M University, group benefits of hazing, when not dangerous or demeaning, include keeping traditions intact and helping the group members learn more about each other.

Bonding is one of the most important parts of having a well-functioning team. Sports teams are constantly trying to come up with various activities to help the team grow closer together. Hazing is one of those activities meant to create unity; it’s simply done in a more hectic manner.

“Our ‘Freshmen Fun Day’ is about creating bonds with the next generation of Homestead students. It gives the freshman girls people to look up to, as well as friends who look out for them. We just have a really fun way of showing it,” Alyssa Francis, senior and cross country captain, said.

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Allison Rowe, senior volleyball player, proudly hugs Lauren Grant, junior, who she adorned in this silly outfit.