Not All Rivalries Are Created Equal: Five Conclusions from ND vs. USC

Not every school, city or team has a rival. For those that do, Spirit Week is a euphemism for rivalry week. And, with the Bruce Mahoney football game this Friday night at Kezar Stadium, students at St. Ignatius College Prep and Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory know what this contest, this week and this rivalry is all about.

Rivalry week offers me the opportunity to discuss one of my favorite topics: What makes for a good rivalry? How and why is it a blessing to have a rival? And on the heels of Notre Dame defeating USC, I was ready to compare and contrast, discuss and debate this topic as long as possible. I think my students are part of one of the best rivalries in all of high school sports and I believe the Notre Dame/USC rivalry is among the best. Here are but five conclusions on the importance of that one.

It's a Family Affair
The significance of the Notre Dame vs USC rivalry is in my DNA. When the Irish defeated the Trojans 48-20, I felt victory deep in my bones. I have always felt the dislike and utter disdain for that red and gold. I grew up hearing the stories of how many seasons, too many national championships all of these dreams deferred because of USC (My Dad really can't get through the 20-17 loss in 1964 without ire).

My grandfather, Dad and his brothers planted this seed. We grew up in Pac 10 territory; two family members actually worked for the conference. The final trip my Grandpa took before he died was to Notre Dame with my father and Uncle Jay for the rivalry game. A picture from that trip hangs on my wall.

For years, I have traveled south over Thanksgiving weekend to join in the game day pageantry at the LA Coliseum—a historic and painful venue. Every time I go, I swear I will not return. I do. Hope springs eternal....so does the draw of a rivalry.

Parity and Pain
It's not a rivalry if it's a one-sided affair. There must be a sense that the outcome of this game is anything but given. Neither party can mail it in; the stakes and the pressure are just too high.

My favorite shirt of all time commemorated a "Decade of Dominance." This tee had small tares and holes in the right places; it was perfect for running and working out., and, it is emblematic of my time at ND. 

From 1983 to 1993, the Trojans went winless against the Irish. A freshman in the Fall of 1992, the student body I joined didn't know the pain of losing to USC. Fans didn't enter into those match-ups with quite the same animosity and fear that we did against other schools. But our rivals rose again, aggravating and assaulting top ranked teams—pushing their own into the end zone (see Bush Push).

Chatter and Star Power
One sure sign of a rivalry game is that it generates a lot of chatter. For example, one of my students mentioned that a lot of people at the gym want to talk to him both before and after this particular game. These contests offer an easy talking point—and a spirited one at that.

One aspect I anxiously anticipate in a rivalry game is the list of who's who on the sidelines. I'm a glutton for star power. I was not surprised to see Matt Leinhart. I enjoyed seeing Keyshawn Johnson in that loud and proud USC jacket. ND's all-star list was impressive: Jerome Bettis, Tim Brown, and Brady Quinn to name a few. The illuminati however is not just for the fans.

Standing outside the locker room door after the game was Joe and Jennifer Montana. The camera showed Sam Hartman shaking his hand. I thought what a thrill and what a cool connection. From one Irish QB to another—Congratulations are in store! 

History
Rudyard Kipling, wrote “If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.” With all due respect to the English writer and poet, I guess he never took history at Notre Dame.

During orientation weekend, the alumni association runs the movie "Knute Rockne, All American" in the Eck Visitor's Center. I appreciate that the University indoctrinates in many ways—including this one. From that film, I learned more about the history of one of football's winningest coaches of all time, and his fingerprints on this storied rivalry.

Therefore, when someone asked me how longstanding is the rivlary between Notre Dame and USC, I had two data points of reference. The Rock and a legendary photo I love that features both Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. 

This photo of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig was taken the night before the 1927 USC-Notre Dame at Soldier Field in Chicago. According to an article in the Dec. 4, 1927 Los Angeles Times, it was an annual All-American dinner thrown by Christy Walsh, who was known as the first baseball agent and agent to Ruth.

Ruth and Gehrig performed a skit at the start of the dinner with Ruth impersonating a Notre Dame player while Gehrig was a USC player.

Below is a photo of Ruth and Gehrig at the game. They were part of the 120,000 in attendance!!!

Emotion. Passion. Fandom.
A good rival brings out the best and worst emotions in us. My own Dad admitted that he kicked the ottoman so hard when ND lost in 1964, that it broke. He said "I totally lost it." I actually thought one of my uncles punched a hole in the wall. Someone might have. Regardless, the family lore lives on (see above!). 

The flip side of this coin is the running on the field and the fireworks. While many fans were critical of this effusive response to victory, my DNA allowed and accommodated for all of it. I couldn't get enough of the social media posts from friends and family—in celebration of a strong, solid W. 

We must relish moments like these for the truth of a rivalry is that they will return next year for one more. They remind us of who we are, what we value and why we care....and do.

Great win Irish! Enjoy a much-deserved week off! I look forward to seeing my friends that went to USC. I don't have many of those.... ;-) 

Photo Credits
Babe Ruth
120K
Inside the Stadium photo taken in 2013!
All others are from @NDFootball

What I've Learned about Notre Dame from USC

A fellow alum once told me that USC and Notre Dame are probably more similar than I want to admit. We love our storied programs and let you know it. Our bands and our fight songs are renown; they are played and overplayed, loved and hated. He felt that alumni of each institution tend to be more conservative than not, and the student bodies at both schools are not as diverse as it should be. His observation stung. I realized he might be on to something. 

So, I did what any sports fan would do, I packed my bags and decided to perform my own investigative reporting. And this blog posting will point to three observations of each program that I believe speak to our differences—differences that define us.

Los Angeles, California
Every other Thanksgiving weekend, the Irish head west to play the men of Troy in at the Memorial Coliseum in South Central Los Angeles. The Coliseum is adjacent to the USC campus and the energy and excitement are always high. I have attended this contest no fewer than 10 times in my life and yet, last November three things caught my attention. They have stayed with me because they speak to me

Observation #1
It's incredible to realize that some of the world's greatest athletes have competed at this site is not one but two Olympic Games. The symbol of the Olympic rings beneath the name of the venue remains over one of the main entrances. And, the Olympic cauldron torch rises above a majestic peristyle that frames the east end of the stadium. 

Truly these symbols speak to the glory of athletics and the history of great competition. If I were a USC athlete or fan, I would be very proud of the fact that I have the opportunity to compete or observe contests on this sacred ground. There is nothing religious in these icons, images or architecture—but I do think there is a certain spirituality about the place. Call it the spirit of the Olympic Games, or of Troy....Fight On! 

Observation #2
The Coliseum can seat 93,000 people. Because of its sheer size, it's no surprise to me that the seats at the east end zone are roped off and unused. Last year, I noticed that the USC athletic department (and Legends) added on-field suits and premium clubs beneath the peristyle. But that's not what caught my attention at the Coliseum. It's what covered the empty seats.  And for the record: The Crossroads Campaign at Notre Dame was launched to fund the third renovation of Notre Dame stadium. These changes to the 85-year-old venue will bring suites and premium seating to South Bend too.

The unused seats are covered by massive banners that feature the name and retired jersey number of those athletes who have won the Heisman trophy. It's hard NOT to see these. Seven USC players have been awarded the Heisman. All of them (with the exception of Reggie Bush) have also their numbers retired by the Trojans.

Ironically, Notre Dame also has seven Heisman trophy winners, but their names will not be found inside Notre Dame Stadium on public display. You also won't see their numbers retired either. Football is considered by many to be the ultimate team sport. Even though individual athletes shine, it's impossible to win a game without the collective work of many athletes and the coaching staff. For that reason, the only name you will see on a jersey is the one of the school, and it's on the front.

USC is proud of its alumni and so it Notre Dame. We choose to recognize that difference.

Observation #3
In August, the University announced that it will include the addition of a video board atop the south end of Notre Dame stadium. Fans have mixed emotions about it. I can't wait. And yet, I understand the purists are concerned about how it might change the game experience. 

At USC, this video board is very helpful, if not necessary. The Coliseum is so big, it can be tough to see a lot of what happens on the field. But what you will also see is advertising as well as instant replay. However, reviewing a great run or catch isn't what bothered me—although it should have—Notre Dame had few to little highlights and the Trojans had a feast day; they beat us 49-14. 

What I called into question was the undue emphasis it put upon individual athletes in their achievements. Every time Trojan wide receiver George Farmer had a touchdown, I saw his name, number and a prerecorded victory dance on the big screen. When Cody Kessler completed a spectacular pass the words TOUCHDOWN dominated the screen only to be interrupted by KESSLER and his prerecorded dance moves. No need for excessive celebration on the field; I found it on the screen.

It will be interesting to see what the Irish choose to display on their video board next year. I have a strong suspicion it will be different. I hope so....

South Bend, Indiana
I graduated from Notre Dame in 1996—the final year of the House that Rockne built as it was created. The Notre Dame Stadium you visit today opened and was dedicated Labor Day weekend in 1997. I don't know why I was there, but I was. A poster from the dedication hangs in the garage at my parents' house. There is nothing else on the walls...

Observation #1
Over Labor Day weekend, I attended the opening game of the season with my former roommate and good friend, Erin. She pointed to something I had probably seen many times but never paid attention to before: a flagpole that rests inside the stadium.

Near the band in the southeast corner is just that: a white, single solitary flag pole. At the commencement of the game, the band raises the flag as it plays the National Anthem. The University professes to prioritize: God, Country, Notre Dame. The placement of this flagpole inside—not outside—the stadium is a visual reminder of that belief.

Observation #2
This isn't something that is seen but heard. During the third quarter of the game, the official announcer made note of Mass times at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart for Sunday. Because the Texas game started at 7:30 pm, Sunday vigil masses took place before the game, but the faithful who wanted to worship on campus were well-informed of their options.

When I heard this, I thought to myself "Where else can you be reminded of our weekly obligation and the added bonus of Sunday evening vespers than at Notre Dame?!" And what I love most about this announcement is that its one that isn't irrelevant or meant to serve as a guilty reminder. If you don't believe me, see for yourself. The Basilica and dorm masses are well attended on game weekends. Maybe we're praying for a "W." As Lou Holtz once said, "Jesus doesn't care who wins a football game....but His mother does." 

Observation #3
For me to say "look up" is just too easy. When you do, from inside Notre Dame Stadium, you will see "Touchdown Jesus" on the south end....the Golden Dome and the spire of the Basilica forming a perfect trinity. But if you look down, on the field you will see one thing is lacking. It's found in many collegiate fields: color. Other than an interlocking ND, the only decor on the field is 9 hash marks inside each end zone. There are 18 in total (9 on each side) and each mark is at a 42-degree angle. The numbers add up: 1842. The year that Notre Dame was founded. The year it all began.

Conclusions
As written earlier, a rival is not to be taken for granted. They bring a different type of joy to sports. Just this past week, I delighted in the fact that the New York Mets ended the Los Angeles Dodgers' 2015 season. Never mind that they captured the National League West division title, I could now celebrate that they have been eliminated from the playoffs for 27 years and counting. 

More importantly, a good rival teaches you a lot about yourself. It highlights what you prioritize and what you stand for. It also makes winning that much sweeter and losses exceptionally harder. I never take beating USC for granted. It's a historic rivalry that defines my experience of college football. Fight on you Trojans.... Go Irish!

Photo Credits
USC vs ND
USC Jerseys

Divided We Stand: the Importance of a Good Rivalry

In the article "Divided We Stand" Michael Rosenberg writes, "Rivalries makes sports fun when they otherwise wouldn't be. And everywhere you look, they are getting devalued. Missouri and Kansas stopped playing each other. So did Texas and Texas A&M, and Oklahoma and Nebraska....We should keep rivalries as relevant as we can." (Sports Illustrated, October 12, 2015)

I agree. Last year, marked the cessation of what isn't the *best* rivalry, but a respectable one at that: my alma mater, Notre Dame vs. Michigan. While the Fightin' Irish find a heated rival in USC and and annoying one in Boston College (to me that rivalry is one-sided) the shared rivalry between two storied Midwest programs and their quest for excellence is worth missing. Believe it or not, Wikipedia captures it well. 

The Michigan–Notre Dame football rivalry is a dormant American college football rivalry between the Michigan Wolverines and Notre Dame Fighting Irish. 

Michigan football and Notre Dame football are considered to be among the most elite college programs. Notre Dame and Michigan respectively rank #1 (Notre Dame) and #2 (Michigan) in winning percentage and #1 (Michigan) and #3 (Notre Dame) in all time wins. The rivalry is heightened by the two schools' competition for all-time win percentage, which each has held during their history, as well as national championships, with each school claiming 11. 

Michigan is member of the Big Ten Conference while Notre Dame football is independent. In 2013, Notre Dame joined the Atlantic Coast Conference in all sports except football and hockey but the football team would play five ACC opponents each season, starting in 2014. Notre Dame and Michigan reached a mutual agreement to suspend the series for the 2018 and 2019 football season. Notre Dame then decided to cancel the 2015 through 2017 games, citing the need to play ACC games. 

The word "dormant" caught my attention. It implies that the rivalry at any point in time can be resurrected, and historically speaking between these teams, it has. But a rivalry is special and not worth putting to rest. It demands something of the competitors and the fans. You are asked to evaluate what your program is about and what you stand for. I have found myself asking when I look at "the other" What do we represent? What are our core values? A rivalry gives pause to those questions, as we ask those questions of our opponent. By looking to "the other" we can learn a lot about ourselves.

A great part of this tradition is that athletes from both schools go to the other school to claim the trophy

I write about the importance of a sports rivalry because today the school where I teach, St Ignatius College Prep celebrates what I consider to be one of the greatest ones in all of high school sports: The Bruce Mahoney. This rivalry game between SI and Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep honors the life and legacy of Bill Bruce and Jerry Mahoney—alumni from each school who died in World War II. It is unique in that the trophy is awarded to the school that wins a minimum of two of the three contests (it starts with football and is followed by basketball). Scott James writes "since a ruby match in 1893, they've been competing each year. All concerned believe it's the oldest sports rivalry west of the Rockies." to that I say "wow." 

Every year I tell my students how fortunate they are to have a tradition like the Bruce Mahoney and a rivalry like the one shared with SHC. My high school—Carondelet and De La Salle didn't have that same "rival" that we looked to beat each year. I applied to but one Catholic high school, as it was the only one in the area. Our opponents were important, our contests were challenging, but no true rival colored our narrative.

The joy in reclaiming the Bruce Mahoney Trophy. 

I think it's also important to realize that in San Francisco a city that is always changing, and acutely so with the growth of the tech industry (especially since 2008) that one thing remains. And it's far from being devalued. The rivalry named the Bruce-Mahoney is relevant. Indeed, we stand divided on the gridiron tight. Go 'Cats. 

For more on this rivalry, read
Bruce Mahoney Rivalry: Proof that Authentic Spirituality Leads to Community
Traditions that accompany the Bruce Mahoney Rivalry: The gift of a football jersey
And what I learned from that tradition
Dan Fouts' Advice to Students: Beat Your Rival

Photo Credits
ND vs Michigan
SI Trophy
SHC Trophy