LUCAS COUNTY, Ohio — When any sporting event ends, there are some customary things that take place after the game: postgame handshakes, celebration, interviews and, of course, returning back to the locker room.
For some Northwest Ohio high schools, it doesn't just end out on the court or field. When they are amongst themselves, the festivities only begin.
"It's just brought the energy," St. Francis basketball senior Ryan Coop said. "During the game, if you're having a tough game it's just something to shoot for. After the game, winning feels great and it's just that extra boost of energy that really gets us going to the next game too."
Implemented for the first time this season, the 'Lunch Pail' has provided another element of fun for St. Francis basketball. After each win, the Knight's team chaplain decides which player earns the coveted silver box.
"May not be the guy that spends the most time on the floor, might not be the most minutes or might not be the most points," Father Rudi Schwarzkopf said. "But someone who goes out there and sacrifices everything for that family and everything for this team."
St. Francis isn't the only area basketball team with a prize on the line after games.
Down in Whitehouse, Anthony Wayne boys basketball has created some swag as well: a custom chain.
"It followed our six-game skid in the middle of the season, we were feeling a little down," Anthony Wayne senior Aiden Schmenk said "All the sudden, at Bowling Green, coach comes screaming in holding the chain and he gave it to Hayden Bender. I think it's been a big culture change for us and gives us something to look forward to when winning games."
Schmenk's teammate Parker Schofield echoed that statement.
"It's an extra fun thing in the locker room," Schofield said. "We all splash whoever wins the chain and it's really fun."
It turns out these objects aren't just confined to the basketball court. St. John's hockey has also joined in on the fun with a belt.
"I think it's cool after games to recognize somebody who maybe didn't have a big game stat-wise," Titan junior Declan Loisel said. "Everybody is motivated anyways but I think it's cool to keep guys motivated and make guys want to play well, have something to play for each game."
The postgame celebration is 100% player-driven.
"We've had some guys who like to take pictures with their shirt off and the belt draped over them, kind of like WWE," head coach Derrick Stumm said. "Every game that we're able to win, it's an opportunity for guys to recognize each other."
No matter what the coveted item is, local teams have found a way to inspire and reward great performance. And maybe the most important aspect: it adds yet another element of fun to competition.