tra·di·tion\trə-ˈdi-shən\ noun
2
: the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction
3
: cultural continuity in social attitudes, customs, and institutions
4
: characteristic manner, method, or style
Tradition. It's a loaded word when it comes to life at colleges and universities. I've joked with some of my colleagues in higher education that if something happens two years in a row, it's considered a tradition by the students.
But the reason I'm bringing up the word tradition is the debate surrounding the Big Ten and what to do with Michigan and Ohio State's annual late November tilt.
It's not very often that one can find something that will bring Buckeyes and Wolverines together, but apparently the controversy surrounding splitting Ohio State and Michigan into separate divisions and possibly moving the rivalry game is galling enough to both sides to forge an almost unholy alliance against such a thing.
I'm a fan of a Somerset Maughm quote when it comes to thinking about the power of tradition. The quote is, "Tradition is a guide and not a jailer."
I'm not saying that traditions aren't important; they serve as cross-generational touchstones. They do have a significance in imparting a shared experience and concept.
But one should never become slaves to tradition, because then you are trapped.
Back when the season really did end with Michigan and Ohio State playing the last week of the season, it made sense.
But the sport has evolved and the culture of sport has evolved. With the addition of the 12th regular season game, and the creation of conference title games, the end of November has not been the end of the regular season in a long, long time.
Yes, "The Game" had the attention of the entire nation in 2006, and it was memorable. But that was a perfect storm situation because of the number one versus number two element (a first for the series, if I recall).
Does The Game really lose its luster if it moves to October 22 or November 8? Do Wolverines hate Buckeyes less or more because they're playing a month earlier? Do Buckeyes not want to beat the tar out of the Wolverines because there are still regular season games left?
Of course not. To me, and this is my own inherent bias, the vitriol for your most hated rival exists no matter when that game is played. It could be first game, it could be the last game on the schedule, it could be game seven of the season—I don't find the calendar to be that important.
Tradition. It's a loaded word when it comes to life at colleges and universities. I've joked with some of my colleagues in higher education that if something happens two years in a row, it's considered a tradition by the students.
But the reason I'm bringing up the word tradition is the debate surrounding the Big Ten and what to do with Michigan and Ohio State's annual late November tilt.
It's not very often that one can find something that will bring Buckeyes and Wolverines together, but apparently the controversy surrounding splitting Ohio State and Michigan into separate divisions and possibly moving the rivalry game is galling enough to both sides to forge an almost unholy alliance against such a thing.
I'm a fan of a Somerset Maughm quote when it comes to thinking about the power of tradition. The quote is, "Tradition is a guide and not a jailer."
I'm not saying that traditions aren't important; they serve as cross-generational touchstones. They do have a significance in imparting a shared experience and concept.
But one should never become slaves to tradition, because then you are trapped.
Back when the season really did end with Michigan and Ohio State playing the last week of the season, it made sense.
But the sport has evolved and the culture of sport has evolved. With the addition of the 12th regular season game, and the creation of conference title games, the end of November has not been the end of the regular season in a long, long time.
Yes, "The Game" had the attention of the entire nation in 2006, and it was memorable. But that was a perfect storm situation because of the number one versus number two element (a first for the series, if I recall).
Does The Game really lose its luster if it moves to October 22 or November 8? Do Wolverines hate Buckeyes less or more because they're playing a month earlier? Do Buckeyes not want to beat the tar out of the Wolverines because there are still regular season games left?
Of course not. To me, and this is my own inherent bias, the vitriol for your most hated rival exists no matter when that game is played. It could be first game, it could be the last game on the schedule, it could be game seven of the season—I don't find the calendar to be that important.
No comments:
Post a Comment