Why does Xavier basketball carry around an urn?
The Xavier Musketeers carry an urn around with them to each game and it has gotten plenty of attention. Why exactly does the team bring it with them?
Without traditions and superstitions, sports would not be what they are. Every team has a tradition and superstition that they follow. However, it’s doubtful that anyone else is carrying around an urn like the Xavier Musketeers basketball team.
No, they’re not doing their best impression of WWE legend Paul Bearer, the team is using it as a symbolic reminder of where they came from this season. Before the Musketeers took on the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight, Lewis Johnson explained why the team has a giant urn with them.
Johnson made sure to point out on the air that the urn does not contain any human remains, but rather the ashes of a paper schedule. He explains that head coach Chris Mack had the idea after the team lost six straight games in February. The players were initially hesitant as well.
.@LewisJohnsonMG has the story on why @XavierMBB is carrying around an urn and the impact it has had during #MarchMadness. #Elite8 pic.twitter.com/ZLHTWR1R3f
— March Madness Men’s Basketball TV (@MM_MBB_TV) March 25, 2017
Well, if that’s not the most creative and creepy way to start a tradition. It should come as no surprise that Musketeers uniforms look like they are dressed for a funeral parlor. With each passing game and win, the Musketeers have shown everyone why they are better than the No. 11 seed they are given.
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Now, they have a chance to reach the Final Four and give the urn the main stage it deserves. For those that are curious, the urn goes to the back during each game and is not seen on the bench. So don’t expect the team to recreate the end of WrestleMania 13 if they win on Saturday.