In my years at CSU, I have learned that one essential part of being a true Ram is hating CU-Boulder with a passion.
This rivalry is so big it transcends athletics when we consider things like which university is the bigger party school, (even though it is undoubtedly CSU, as evidenced by the Ram’s Pointe pool party) or what city has a better music scene.
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However, our Athletic Director Jack Graham is working with CU Athletic Director Mike Bohn to pacify relations between us Rams and those filthy Buffs. In an article published by The Daily Camera from Boulder, Graham expressed his wishes to cut down “the level of venom” that exists between CSU and CU fans.
While I respect Graham because he is a seasoned Ram, (he quarterbacked for CSU in 1973 and 1974) I highly doubt that the rivalry between our two schools can ever be neutralized or forgotten. It’s like oil and water. Rams just don’t mix with the Buffs. This rivalry is so ingrained into the fabric of CSU that taking it away would be like taking away our mascot.
Graham suggested that CSU and CU students be more civil, especially when it comes to talking trash and hurling insults on game days. However, trash talk is essential to athletics. Players do it, fans do it and even coaches take occasional stabs, so I don’t find anything wrong with jawing at our biggest rival.
At a sports event between Boulder and CSU there is always a competitive spirit, and talking smack only builds anticipation for a fiercer contest. But let’s be honest, I think everyone secretly loves to hear “…dirty hippies, f*** CU!” chanted at a basketball or a football game. I have heard this hollered out randomly at parties and even on spring break in Mexico, and each time it puts a smile on my face.
While I realize that chanting profanities at sporting events reflects poorly on CSU, I also find it hard to apologize for being passionate about something. We only play Boulder once a year in most sports, so when we compete there is a great deal of excitement, and with the way that most of our athletic teams perform, playing Boulder usually determines the success or failure of a whole season.
Of course, kids get drunk and attack each other during these games — it’s a huge in-state rivalry. So don’t expect us to be great role models for CSU when we play Boulder. Even though behavior is terrible toward CU fans on game day, at least we are representing our school accurately because we sure do hate those Buffs.
As we all know, fights will inevitably break out before, after and during the Rocky Mountain Showdown. The tailgate is drenched with alcohol, and that combined with a rivalry of this magnitude is a perfect formula for a brawl.
Although punching one of those dirty hippies right in the mouth would probably feel really good, I ask that you do not. First off, because fighting is pretty lame, and secondly, you would probably be kicked out of the game or arrested. If you’re in jail you can’t adequately cheer on the Rams, or talk trash on those rotten-stinking Buffaloes. In my own opinion, I find it silly to fight over a Ram’s football team that has gone a combined 9-27 in the time I have been at CSU.
However, it is a new year, and with the Rocky Mountain Showdown just around the corner there is a new chance for redemption. Although the Buffs have bested us the last two years, it appears that fate is finally turning in our favor.
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Come Saturday, I expect to hear some very disparaging chants about Boulder. I expect to get rowdy and possibly destroy all my backyard furniture. But I also expect people to remember that this is just a game and that our animosities shouldn’t extend beyond the field (even though they probably will because it’s Boulder).
We have to remember that CU students are people too, even if they are dirty, granola-eating, Birkenstock-wearing, trust-fund hippies.
That being said, it’s now time to beat the piss out of those Buffaloes. We all know they deserve it. I wish Jim McElwain the best in his debut because he knows as well as anyone that this one is for all the marbles. But honestly, win or lose, we know in our hearts that CSU is better, and we don’t need a football game to prove that.
Quinn Scahill is a senior English major. His columns appear Fridays in the Collegian. Letters and feedback can be sent to letters@collegian.com.
