They did it. The Chicago Cubs finally won the World Series for the first time since 1908. I never thought I’d see the day, because I’m superstitious.

I used to wear the exact same thing to every single track meet. Everyone got new singlets, but I kept my old one because I thought it would help me run faster and jump farther.

I don’t know if you’ve ever had the chance to go to Wrigley Field, but earlier this year I was fortunate enough to go on a tour of the park. They’re quick to explain the curse of the goat, and after 108 years without a World Series win for the Cubs, it was hard not to believe it.

If you didn’t know, the theory suggests the Cubs were cursed by William “Billy Goat” Sianis and his goat, Murphy. The fan was asked to leave because the smell of his goat bothered people near them during Game 4 of the World Series in 1945 against the Detroit Tigers. As he left, Sianis allegedly said “The Cubs ain’t gonna win no more. The Cubs will never win a World Series so long as the goat is not allowed in Wrigley Field.”

The Cubs went into that game leading the series 2-1. After Sianis was asked to leave, the Cubs lost the game and the remaining games of that series.

Sports superstitions, curses, and rituals—whether you believe them or not—are a huge part of athletes’ lives. Some athletes swear by their own repetitive behaviour and sometimes even blame big losses on not following their rituals.

You’ve surely heard of the playoff beard. Hockey players refuse to shave once the playoffs start. That’s a league- wide superstition, and players don’t want to be caught not participating.

Did you know professional tennis player Serena Williams wears the same socks throughout an entire tournament?

Michael Jordan wore the same University of North Carolina shorts underneath his uniform every game because he believed they brought him luck.

Over the years, the Cubs tried to bring the goat’s offspring to the field in hopes of lifting the curse, but it didn’t work. Not until this year, that is. I’m no goat, but I’ll just continue believing the Cubs win has something to do with the fact that Red River College students got a tour of Wrigley Field this year.

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