For those that are removed from the world of sports, a rivalry may seem immaterial — a useless waste of energy that only siblings are familiar with — but for those that bleed the colors of their team, a rivalry is more than an annual collision between two ends of a spectrum. It is the embodiment of a wide range of human emotion. To experience a rivalry is not to experience hate, it is to experience admiration and reverence —to understand that there is an irrefutable importance to the other’s existence.
Growing up, I was surrounded by the vigor of a great American football rivalry: Michigan vs. Ohio State. Twenty something years later, I find myself struggling to remove the maize and blue filtered lens I was so graciously given as a child and see the world, of college football, specifically, with unbiased eyes. And so, this year I’ve decided to ditch those glasses— detach myself from the result of the game, and enjoy the competitive atmosphere of college game day from as much of a non-biased perspective as I can.
Surprisingly enough, I found myself enjoying the game day environment more than I had in my most recent years. Laughter, anger, joy, and disappointment were just a few of the emotions that filled the blaring air. Michigan, however, is not unique in their turbulent competitive spirit. There are groups, individuals and teams all over the world that want nothing more than to beat their opposing rival in the name of human nature. This letter is dedicated to the spirit of an inexplicable phenomenon that we call rivalry. Here’s to Gameday!
