[ZenDers]

I see there’s still been some activity on this thread…
First, to all USC grads who may be around on these boards, congratulations on the season and a great game. It’s a real accomplishment to maintain a top ranking all through the season and the Trojans lived up to all of their billing and are a justifiably proud program.

Next, Drizzt--it was me who was LOL after your post. The “tradition highjack” you allege is a way that some orangebloods have been writing for years before my time. I suppose this was the first time you saw it.

I went to my last game as a bandmember in College Station before you were born, and have been to many more since then. I’ve got a lot of stories based in the rivalry--more than I have room to write about here--so if you think I lack context, I can assure you you’re mistaken. I’ve seen plenty of the “vehement” types of aggies you refer to, but since graduating I’ve also worked with many more and have an old ag as a neighbor, to name a few.

I don’t think anyone would want to do away with the rivalry--it’s too much fun--but, college football is a game, and I would suggest that it shouldn’t be the basis for deriving fulfillment in life. When you leave Texas and get out into the world, you’ll find lots of people who neither know nor care at all about it and you'll begin to see the larger picture. As I said before, enjoy it for what it is, but taking a narrow view will only be self-defeating.

Want an example? Look no further than your kendo club. Dr. Garney began his kendo practice in Austin and drove here every weekend as he was learning. Later, when he began the group there many UTKA members visited to help and participate in practices--and we also loaned some bogu sets (many of which are probably still there) to help get things started.

If we had taken a narrow attitude and refused to help, it’s hard to say whether the group would have gotten off the ground or not, but the larger cause was kendo and now you’re able to practice.

So by all means be true to your school, as I am. But the bigger victory lies in the ability to have a beer with your rival when the game is done. We all become older; becoming wiser though, takes more effort.

Here endeth the lesson. Enjoy your college years…