We can’t always love our neighbors. In fact, sometimes they are the best candidates for friendly competition — or a college rivalry.
Washington State University might not be in the same conference, or even the same state, but with only eight miles separating the Vandals and the Cougars it’s a traditional rivalry that has been ongoing for more than 100 years.
But in the 40 years that Boise State University was the focus, Vandals have lost sight of a rivalry that has been around since 1894.
While it has been four years since UI and WSU have competed on the football field, the basketball teams will face off Wednesday for the 107th consecutive year.
We might not have rivalry banter built up against the Cougs like the terms directed toward the Broncos, but this is our chance to revive a historical rivalry and the school spirit that used to be so strong.
Like all rivalry sporting events, the level of intensity and its effects are always a concern, especially when students are involved. This is the exact reason both rivalries have been drastically downsized in recent years. There will always be those people who take it too far, but that’s why it is important for the majority of students to remember the true purpose of a rivalry.
Rivalries are supposed to be about competition, excellence in sports and academics, showing pride and claiming superiority, even if only for a year. It’s about wearing school colors, singing the fight song, screaming like crazy and having fun.
The Battle of the Palouse has not been given the attention it deserves. It’s a tradition that started shortly after both schools opened their doors. In that time, UI and WSU have expanded their campuses, increased enrollment and developed their institutions. The rivalry between the Vandals and Cougars is a connection between two universities that have grown up next door to one another.
Throughout the years, students at both universities have shared classes, university resources, public transportation and stores. We shop together at Walmart and mingle at bars when the weekend comes around. UI and WSU students are probably more similar than we think, which is one reason the rivalry has remained long standing and good-natured.
Even though we may be friends, friendship doesn’t exist on the basketball court.
— EE and ER