The Warrior Culture

Culture: the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social group. So what does culture mean in sports? Waukee Warrior athletics has a special culture throughout all the teams. From the way the game is played to the identity and behaviors, sometimes it’s not about the sport itself but something deeper. 

With athletics, people can get caught up in the game, the race, the performance, and not stop to think about what was behind the scenes that got them there. One of the biggest things Waukee shows through our athletic culture over the board is persistence. Persistence is to keep things working even through difficulties and obstacles. Throughout athletics, there are setbacks, hard practices, barriers, etc, but warrior athletics value the push. Colt Schipper, an offensive lineman on the Waukee football team stated, “What it means to be a warrior is that you never give up. When things are hard or aren’t going your way, you continue to give 100%.” Throughout successful programs, this reflects the mindset and drive of a Warrior. Persistence and resilience go hand in hand. The Waukee football team values resilience to uses it to work through the barriers that may be faced. 

Warrior football isn’t the only sport that battles through hardships. The sport of track and field in Waukee has been a known one. From laps around the oval to baton handoffs and hurdles, the Waukee Warrior track teams have learned how to face the hurdles of their sport. To track and field, representing means dedication and commitment. Showing up every single day to continue to better yourselves as athletes and growing teams. Waukee sprinter Estelle Hinke said, “Our team values commitment and dedication to the sport to get the full potential out of everyone.” Dedication shows the hard work every day. A hurdler, Tavian White said, “Track and Field demonstrates how Warriors don’t give up and how we work hard to accomplish our goals.”

While the track teams work relentlessly to improve, they value the bond and connection within the team. White said, “My team really values our chemistry and brotherhood while still respecting and working towards our individual goals.” Additionally, Hinke says the same about the girl’s side. “Always be at our teammates’ side to show all our support.” Athletes can get caught up in the standard of success, but never forget the team they did it with. 

No matter the sport or the team, Waukee Athletics shows the pride and culture of Warrior Nation.