Rivalries play a crucial role in fostering school spirit in sports. It adds another dimension to the game, an energy like nothing else. Rivalry games against teams like North Point are arguably the most important games of the season; everything is on the line at these games.

“I do think that school spirit affects the game,” Kylie Richardson (12) said. “If it’s a home game, all of us have a ton of spirit, and then you look at this other section, and there are no students there at all.”

Home rivalry games are always special because that’s when everyone shows out, even when the team is struggling. Beating your rival always feels amazing, especially when the student section has your back on the road.

True competition brings an electrifying energy to every game. This begs the question: What makes a school rivalry sizzle?

Chandler Hirtz (12) chimed in with his take.

“I think a good school rivalry happens when both the players and the fans get super into it,” Hirtz said. “A little competitiveness is totally fine, and as long as everyone remembers it’s all love at the end of the day. It works.”

In the midst of fierce competition, however, let’s not forget about the core of meaningful rivalry: school spirit.

“School spirit is one of the biggest ways to bring everyone together,” Hirtz said. “It boosts the school’s culture and makes those rivalry games way more fun. When everyone goes all out, those games become even more intense and entertaining to watch.”

Whether you’re cheering from the bleachers or playing on the field, rivalry is about passion and love for your school.