Wish I’d Known That: Sports Rivalries

After watching this weekend’s trouncing of the Patriots by the Jets, I began thinking back to freshman year when I hung a Patriots and Red Sox flag in my window on the 3rd floor of Gonzaga, facing Canisius. You couldn’t walk out of the building without seeing the flag. It was great when the Red Sox won the World Series, but it wasn’t so great when the Patriots lost the Super Bowl to the Giants.

Our student body is known to be divided between Boston and New York sports. Even if you are from Ohio, you will be expected to make a decision as to which side you will root for and accordingly celebrate. (No brainer, Boston teams)

Within this divided environment, there are two types of fans. There are casual fans like myself and then eccentric fans who can tell you every player and every stat for their team. As football season starts and playoffs for baseball nears, tensions always seem to run high among casual fans and eccentrics alike. Whether you are out at a party or in class, there is an acceptable amount of trash talking about next week’s games, especially when someone is wearing the apparel of the opposing team.

However, one thing I will say about these debates is that casual fans, no matter how much passion they have for their team, will always look like idiots when arguing with an eccentric.  You must be aware of this because if two casual fans or two eccentric fans are arguing with each other, people will just decide to support who ever is arguing for their team. When the mismatch occurs between casual and eccentric, it is best to just admit a quiet defeat to someone who is not necessarily right, but who simply understands the game more than you, no matter how irritating this admission is. Also guys, don’t think just because you are arguing with a girl that you will know more than her. Every now and then you will be shown up.

Now for those of you who are stuck in the middle and are trying to pick sides, do not just go with who you think will win. There is nothing worse than being a bandwagon fan. It is best to choose a team and never change your mind. Once you have chosen New York or Boston you are a New York or Boston fan for life – just don’t forget that.