In a state where college rivalries run deep, the KU-KState rivalry is more than just a few sports games; it’s a cultural clash. These college fans reflect on their passionate and intense opinions on what it means to be a fan of one of the biggest school rivalries in Kansas.
Junior Alexyss Good shares her side on what being a K-State fan means to her and her family. Although she claims to be one of KSU’s biggest fans, her dad is one of the biggest reasons she became so passionate.
“My dad makes sure that he’s there at every game, especially during football season, and during games, he can get very intense.” Good said.
To keep the spirit of winning, Good’s father started a tradition for his family so his kids could look forward to each game.
“On our way out of Manhattan, we either stop and get ice cream as a family or we keep driving, depending on whether we win or lose the game.” Good shared.
The whole Good family represents one of many fan bases for K-State sports and the clashing rivalry. Good is glad to be so passionate about KSU and its teams because it has created many endless opportunities and memories. One of Good’s favorite memories happened during one of the football games that she has recently attended.
“After we had just scored a touchdown, they came up and gave me a high five, and I was on TV.” Good said.
The endless memories created from watching K-State sports are what the Good family looks forward to every season. Although competition gets rough during rival games, Good stays loyal to the college she loves.
“Even though K-State is the best at everything, their fans can get just as crazy as K-State fans during games.” Good said.
The heat of every game can significantly impact the atmosphere at both schools and among their fans. Good feels she can represent K-State well and is proud even if KU fans try to talk their team down. Her opinions on the rivalry between the schools are very strong, but in her heart, she will always be the biggest KSU fan.
“K-State is, and always will be, better than KU.”
On the other hand of these college rivals, Sophomore Bryson Fair shares his passion for KU and their sports.
“Since I was a kid, my room was full of KU posters and everything that my dad had all set up,” Fair said.
This is where Fair said he first found his passion for the school of KU. He continues his enthusiasm for each game and keeps up with the competition for his team. Fair stays a huge part of every basketball game and admires both sides of the court.
“Everybody’s yelling and it gets crazy in there. So I just love the energy between the teams.” Fair stated.
Getting to go to his first basketball game after his dad bought him tickets for his birthday, Fair started to get really into the rivalry. Seeing the hustle on the court, to each side of the fans, clashing with the opposing side, Fair felt the feelings of competition throughout all of Allen Fieldhouse.
“After going to a home K-State football game, I would say their fans are a lot more passionate when it comes to football,” Fair said
The rivals are able to balance the fans between sports, K-State being louder during the football season, and KU being more competitive during the basketball season. Fair can see the competition levels during both games, but overall feels that KU is much stronger than K-State for basketball. That is one of the many reasons why he feels he and his dad continue to stay passionate fans.
“We always make sure to watch every game and always deck out in KU wear during game days,” Fair said.
Growing up in a KU fan-based household, Fair is able to share his passion for his school with his whole family. This competitive spirit keeps the Fair family intrigued for every rival game.
“Winning the national championship in basketball two years ago was huge. Not many schools can say they did that,” Fair stated.
This event was significant for fans throughout the state and especially impacted the Fair family. The competition was tough for the national championship, but Fair supported KU throughout the whole tournament, even when people doubted their school. Whether crimson blue and red, or purple and white, fans know that the KU-KState rivalry will continue to ignite passions for generations to come.
“Both schools have their strengths and weaknesses, but it’s clear to see which team fans should support,” Fair said.
