In Hughson, school rivalry is a big deal whether it is on the football field, Basketball court, or in the community. School rivalries often get out of hand leading up to unnecessary fights, social media posts, and more. School rivalries can also get the crowd hyped up, increase motivation, and better performance from the players.

The football team recently played one of their biggest rivals, Hilmar, and varsity took a  huge win with the score being 41-24. All the parents and students were anticipating who would win. With every touchdown from either team the crowd would cheer and you could feel the tension rising. Playing rivals in sports makes the games more fun and interesting. When playing, rival teams work extra hard but there could be a downside if the team is overly confident. 

All  sports have rivalry schools, it’s what makes the sport fun and brings excitement to players. In volleyball, Hughson’s rival school is the Escalon Cougars; A small town rivalry that has been happening for ages is the Huskies versus the Cougars. Both small towns come together cheering on their teams waiting to see who will take home the win. Each game against Hilmar or Escalon are big games for everyone.

The downside of school rivalries is the unnecessary arguments or physical fights that happen. Although, trying to act tough and talking nonsense on the field can be fun sometimes, it gets out of hand. Most people can normally be mature about stuff being said on the field between the two teams but there are those people who take it to heart. Those people start fights and make games not fun. 

School rivals can be incredibly exciting because they bring a heightened sense of competition and camaraderie. The anticipation leading up to a big game or event can create a buzz throughout the entire school, uniting students and staff in support of their team. Rivalries often bring out the best in athletes and performers, pushing them to excel and showcase their talents. Although, school rivalries don’t always have a positive effect on the athletes. School rivalries can sometimes have negative effects, leading to increased tension and conflict among students and athletes. 

The intense competition can foster animosity and create divisions within the student body, taking away from the sense of unity that schools aim to build. During most cases of students rivalries escalate to unhealthy behavioral levels, such as bullying or aggressive confrontations, both on and off the field. School rivalries tend to create more of a hostile environment than a supportive one. Additionally, the pressure to outperform the rival school can lead to stress and burnout for students, impacting their academic and personal well-being. Which is why when going up against rival teams it’s always better to play with a positive attitude than a negative one.

One thing about school rivalries that will never change is the energy and passion from the crowd, the friendly banter, and the shared experiences that create long lasting memories and sometimes even friendships. These rivalries also encourage students to strive for excellence, whether in sports, academics, or other competitions, as they push themselves to outperform their rivals. Ultimately, these rivalries can foster a sense of pride and belonging, making the school experience more vibrant and engaging.