Rivalries in sports are developed overtime, with close, physical games and often-embarrassing blowouts. That is, unless the two teams have played each other tough all year and meet in the postseason, like AU and Navy did this year.
After a double overtime thriller in Annapolis, Md., the Midshipmen and AU met just seven days later. It was no regular season tilt this time, as it was a win-or-go-home situation. In the end, AU ran into the night victorious, while Navy snuck away, anxiously anticipating their next shot at AU.
Watching the game, it was clear that both teams were not fond of each other. Elbows were thrown on almost every play, and players were often on the floor. Physicality is never a bad thing, but often it is an indicator of the extra emotion a game has.
Navy Head Coach Billy Lange best described history of the teams’ relationship when he said, “last years games literally came down to who had the ball last.”
AU Head Coach Jeff Jones did not necessarily agree with the statement, but he did say it has been a hard-fought rivalry. His team has won six straight over its conference rival and, as a result, he may see things differently than Lange. When a coach is looking at a situation from the winning end, it often looks like the rivalry is not as close as it actually is.
Perhaps more important than the rivalry itself, is what it means for the athletic community. Since AU made their miracle run to the NCAA Tournament two season ago, the attendance at games has slowly increased. Still, there has never been a game in Bender that is standing room only, but a solid rivalry could change that.
There are few things fans enjoy more in sports than hating another team and fan base. Currently at AU, there is really no feeling of hatred towards another school. That is, until now.
Last night’s game featured its fair share of Navy fans trying to drown out AU students, and the Navy band trying to outplay the AU band. Moments like that are what make college sports fun and can make a basketball game a can’t-miss event. Not only does it often provide spirited play on the court, but also it provides an atmosphere that cannot be recreated.
Earlier in the year, AU Athletic Director Keith Gill said one of his goals was to create more spirit and a better sense of camaraderie among students. One of the ways he said that can happen is through the building of rivalries between schools. After last night’s game, Gill thinks the department is moving in the right direction.
“I think we have got proximity [to Navy],” Gill said about the rivalry between AU and Navy. “I think that there is certainly a rivalry and I think it is good and positive and brings out the best in both teams and institutions.”
Gill said that last night’s atmosphere was important to AU’s play.
“I think the crowd gave us good energy,” Gill said. “I think they clearly were the sixth man and probably the seventh and eighth man as well.”
That’s what rivalries and fan bases come down to: helping their team win. A loud and intimidating fan base can sometimes push a home team over the edge and discourage a visiting one.
After AU’s game against Navy, it looks as if the school could be headed in the direction of having a solid fan base. Creating one of those happens when fans band together against a dreaded rival.
You can reach this writer at atomlinson@theeagleonline.com.
