Not one person can go to a sports event without seeing them; it’s sports uniforms that draw the eye to every player during the game. They hardly stands out in any game, but there would be much more confusion on the field without them. So, how does such a representative of the team and school become decided?
Well, there’s precedent to be considered. Before the purple and white of Stoughton came blue and gold. More than 50 years ago, the school wore blue and gold as the colors of Stoughton and a Viking continued to represent the student body. However, within the last 25 years, the mascot has changed twice, from a Viking with long braids, to a Viking reminiscent of the Minnesota Vikings, to the current V with a helmet to be gender inclusive.
So, while the school has switched its colors, there were also once regulations surrounding the purple and white we’re familiar with today. Several years ago, the only colors allowed on the uniforms were purple and white. This has recently changed to allow more freedom, like gray or black uniforms.
“Since I’ve been here, it’s been predominantly in purple and white, right? A little bit of gray. And then, when I took over, the logo changed too. So [we’re] just trying to figure out what works well for each program, and what the students want, and to make it look professional,” said Andie Alexander, athletic and activities director of grades 6-12.
Another change to the uniforms was the logos plastered on the tops, pants and jackets. This is currently up to the players or coaches, but previously in the school’s history, the only logo allowed was the school’s mascot, either the one that was faintly copying Minnesota Vikings or the one with the braids.
A lot of the designs are up to the coaches and players now. Justin Packard, the head coach of girls soccer and varsity coach for boys soccer, designs the graphics that land on the uniforms we see on the field.
“I think that [the coaches] have done a good job of hearing what the kids want and changing their designs … so it really does fit what the students want to see,” said Alexander.
Most of the work is ensuring that every team gets the money they need to purchase the uniforms for the students, which rotate every five years. And, of course, making sure that the uniforms complement the players.
“I want to put an emphasis on [the fact that] uniforms are supposed to be professional attire. So, like tucking in your uniform, making sure it looks sharp on the field. We always want to make sure athletes look the way they should. Dressed to the nines. Just to make sure that they look professional and fully equipped on the court or on the field or on the dance floor. It doesn’t matter [where],” said Alexander.
That’s the focus of every uniform: ensuring everyone looks like a part of the same team.
“I think that every designer has their own networking piece, but I think it ultimately comes down to the fit and if the people are comfortable in their uniform,” said Alexander.