Tradition Together, Rivals Forever

In light of recent events, the nation’s second most-played rivalry and the oldest this side of the Mississippi River is set to expire on July 1, 2012. This would undoubtedly be a tragedy to both the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri.

The Border War is a rivalry that transcends all else. It transcends money. It transcends pride. It transcends conferences. It transcends sports itself. The story of the Border War is an all too familiar one. Starting ten years prior to the Civil War with Kansas militiamen raiding Missouri towns and the retaliatory “Lawrence Massacre” led by William Quantrill, this is a rivalry that is unlike any other. The Border War isn’t based on a feud between two woebegone coaches or a squabble over team colors. It’s founded in warfare. Warfare that we as students, alumni and fans have seen played out hundreds of times on the field, the court, the diamond and any other venue that either side saw fit.

The Border War has given fans so many great and lasting memories. Never in the history of this great rivalry has there been a meaningless game. Even when both teams are down and there is seemingly nothing to play for, Tigers and Jayhawks alike get up for the Border War. The rivalry has produced historic wins on both sides, which are magnified by the passion held in the hearts of all fans.

Not only does the rivalry have historical and traditional meaning, but it also benefits communities across both states. Each year, the rivalry raises thousands of dollars for the United Way through the MU/KU Challenge. This past season, the Border Showdown Food Drive benefiting Harvesters Community Food Network raised enough food between the two schools to provide over 146,000 meals for hungry families during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Dating back to the days of the Western Interstate University Football Association, Tigers and Jayhawks have laced up their shoes, donned the colors of their beloved alma mater and given it everything they’ve got for the chance to beat the enemy from across the state line. When the schedules are released each year, there is one date that is circled on everybody’s calendar that players and fans look for first: the Border War. Sadly, this date will be vacant from the 2012-2013 schedule. But it doesn’t have to be this way. It’s not too late to change if we act now. For the sake of competition, for the sake of passion and for the sake of rivalry, help us keep the Border War alive.

By signing this letter, you can show your support for keeping the rivalry alive. As fans of good teams and better games, it is our duty to keep this long-standing tradition alive. Let the administration in Lawrence know that you want the Border War to stay forever!

Sincerely,
The Tradition Together, Rivals Forever Movement