If you’re walking through the halls at the Hingham High school in the fall, it’s easy to spot a member of the boys soccer team among the crowd. Like last year and in years past, all the boys dye their hair bright blond before the playoffs. For the team, it’s a way for the boys to bond, to show their commitment to the program, and to build team morale going into the playoffs.
“I love how the bleach brings us together,” said Sean Christofferson. “When we bleach, everyone has something to laugh about and share with each other.” As a member of the soccer team myself, Sean’s point of view could not be more true. One early Sunday morning, groups of kids piled into the Glace Hair Salon in downtown Hingham, some of us with fresh haircuts, most of us full of regret, and all of us chock full of anticipation and excitement. “Even the kids who don’t want to bleach still do it for the team,” exclaimed Bruno Filho. “Not everyone looks good with a bleach but that’s part of the fun.” The excitement in the salon was palpable that Sunday morning. Everywhere you could see kids laughing, boys taking photos of their hair process, and parents in the corners chatting and taking in the spectacle.
Although it’s been a regular sight the last two years, bleaching is not a tradition for the boys soccer team. “It really can vary year to year,” said Ryan Murtagh. “My sophomore year the team did frosted tips, when my brother was a senior they bleached, and some other years when he was in high school they did nothing. A lot of factors go into the final decision about playoff hairstyles such as the team’s record and the team’s motivation to do it.”
Thankfully, the success of the team the last few years has made team bleaching a pretty easy decision. Last year the boys made an impressive run to the state championship game where they fell short to Oliver Ames 1-0. This year with high expectations, the boys finished with a successful 12-3-3 season, with victories against impressive teams including Duxbury twice and BC High.
“Bleaching has definitely motivated us even more to win,” said junior Matthew Volpe. “Team camaraderie is huge in the playoffs and the whole experience has brought us together and given us crazy strong belief in each other going forward.” As the team prepares for their sweet sixteen matchup against eight-seeded Dartmouth on Saturday November 8, the boys hope that good soccer, and a little playoff hair magic will continue to propel them through the MIAA playoffs.
