Water girls join Tracy High football for 2013 season
Junior Michelle Hagelston, senior Daesha Brown and Senior Jill Finney at the opening game versus Sierra
September 27, 2013
With the tradition of a water boy in football for so many years, the Tracy High football team took a new approach this season with water girls.
Seniors Daesha Brown and Jill Finney, along with junior Michelle Hagelston attend practices and every game to aid the team with hydration.
“Helping out the football team is great,” Brown said. “It’s a great way to motivate the guys, and it is fun to be a part of the team.”
The three girls help with jobs at practice, getting water to the players, and manning the end zone camera during games. During some home games they are even ball girls, running the ball back and forth to the referees.
“It’s nice being able to get into games for free, along with going on bus rides, and getting free shirts and such,” Finney said.
As student-athletes themselves, they are not able to come to every practice because of other school activities and competitive soccer practices.
“The team makes me laugh and I’m learning football,” Hagelston said. “The coaches are very entertaining, and it feels great to be helping out for our school.”
“We are always looking for someone to help out in any way possible,” Football coach Chuck Selna said. “These girls are doing a great job, especially during the first two weeks of practice.”
Selna offered the position to Hagelston after she said she wanted to help the team, Finney and Brown followed shortly after.
“At first I thought Coach Selna was joking, but when I realized he wanted us to help Daesha, Jill and I were really excited to do it,” Hagelston said.
“I think the water girls are doing a great job,” junior quarterback Michael Brown said. “When they are not at practice, I don’t have the same energy.”
With the temperatures hitting high 90s to low 100s on the field, hydration is very important. Players are instructed to drink water throughout the day.
“When we have films for football, seeing the end zone cam gives us a different angle to watch, allowing me to improve my game,” senior lineman Will Stinbrink said.
Hagelston hopes to return next year, and possible uphold a new tradition.
