“Che Guevara.” “Pocahontas.” “Plato.” You may recognize these historical figures’ names, but these are not their actual names. Ernesto Guevara, Matoaka and Aristocles were given these nicknames for a variety of reasons, but they are all known by their nicknames as a way to better recognize them for what they are known for.

Giving teammates nicknames has become very popular in sports culture, and we can see much of it on PHS sports teams.

Firstly, cross country has a variety of nicknames including “Shmills” for junior Sophia Mills, “Jules the Fool” for senior Jules Korman, “Chief Keith,” for freshman Keith Sibal and “Swag Jeans” for sophomore Chris Machle.

Machle said, “My favorite nickname is ‘J-Ziggy’,” which belongs to senior Jack Ziegler.”

Machle said that senior Cole Becker, junior Graham Dean, and past cross country members came up with most of these nicknames with fun being the main intention.

“I think the nicknames have helped the team bond,” Machle said.

Junior Cameron Paton plays soccer and has been blessed with the nickname “Bagels.”

“I got it from soccer when I was little. It was just like we tried making code names for everyone; mine was Bagels,” Paton said.

Paton said that by having nicknames the makes the team feel more related.

“Nicknames are used to build chemistry and make teams closer to each other like in friendships,” Paton said.

Junior football player Matt Burge has been given the nickname “Icy.”

“When I first met Brian Lee in the middle school ASB class he told me I should change my name to Ice because of my last name,” Burge said.

Burge said that during football season senior Chad Brame and senior Alex De Lapaz brought Burge’s nickname back to life again and the rest of the team started calling Burge “Icy” again.

Senior and ex-water polo player Gabriel Bolio said that he and a few of his teammates were given the nickname “Cannon Squad.”

“I was part of it for being one of the best shooters on the team and for having the largest biceps and pectorals,” Bolio said.

Bolio said that sports teams create nicknames as a form of brother or sisterhood amongst each other. He said that it is a privilege to have a nickname, and it is a way for everyone to get to know each other.

“Overall, teams bond over nicknames and become closer friends,” Bolio said.