Across Lake Forest athletics, the end of a game doesn’t just mean a final score, it means the passing of something bigger. From chains to hard hats to toy lions, team totems have become something of a culture behind LFHS’s sports scene.
While each team’s tradition looks different, the message remains the same: recognition isn’t just about performance but also what that player brings to the team.
For the varsity baseball team, two separate totems highlight what the team sees as success: The Chain of Champions and a newly introduced ore, named The HOG.
The Chain of Champions is awarded to the player by another player who makes the biggest impact in the game or practice. Whether it’s a clutch hit, a key defensive play, or a dominant outing on the mound, it represents the crucial moment that swings momentum and defines the outcome.
The Oar, however, tells a different story.
Introduced this season, The Oar focuses on leadership, teamwork, and the less obvious contributions that keep the team moving forward. Rooted in the phrase “row the boat,” the totem emphasizes putting the team in the best possible way to succeed, on and off the field.
“It definitely shows that we don’t just value on-the-field performances,” said senior Dylan Cran. “We value leadership, teamwork, and the little things.”
Together, the two totems work on both the seen and unseen players that shape the team.
For boys lacrosse, the team totem comes in the form of a hard hat, a long-standing tradition that dates back years, even to past generations of players.
Awarded by head coach David Hone after each game, the hard hat recognizes a player who embodies what it means to be a Scout and has the privilege of playing 4 Jack. While performance plays a role, the emphasis is on grit, mental toughness, and overall effort throughout the game.
The tradition aligns with the team’s idea of “a new breed of Scout,” a player who combines lacrosse IQ with determination and resilience.
“I think it’s mostly about who exemplifies the traits of a Scout–grit, determination, stuff like that throughout the game,” said Junior Captain Emmet Lee.
Rather than celebrating just the best stat line, the hard hat highlights the mindset it takes to become a back-to-back state champion and a successful Scout, reinforcing the team’s identity every step they take.
On the girls lacrosse team, the totem takes a more playful but equally meaningful approach–a small toy lion.
Awarded after both games and practices, the lion represents what the team calls a “lion mentality,” a commitment to working hard, competing relentlessly, and giving full effort every time they step onto the field.
The tradition itself is as spirited as the meaning behind it. When a player receives the lion, they drop to all fours in the team circle and roar before adding their initials to it, creating a growing record of those who’ve earned it.
Beyond the fun, the lion carries real significance.
“It makes you feel good because your teammates recognize the work that you’ve put in,” said senior Evelyn Marshall. “It’s just a fun little tradition.”
By combining energy with accountability, the lion reflects a culture where effort is seen, celebrated, and remembered forever.
In a world where scoreboards often are seen as the only thing that matters, team totems offer something different, a reminder that how you play the game can matter just as much as the outcome.
