As Thanksgiving break approaches, our first semester of 2016 is coming to a close. Finals are coming up, but it’s not quite time to procrastinate and freak out yet. Things may seem light-hearted and quiet for now…unless you’re a Lehigh student. Lehigh versus Lafayette, the oldest rivalry in history, are prepping for the big football game Saturday, November 19th. This will be the 152nd meeting of the two schools on the field, so here’s why you should celebrate:
1. Lehigh is a great school:
It’s no secret that it’s difficult to gain admission to Lehigh University. Lehigh prospers socially, academically, and physically (you should see our calves from these damn hills). Le-Laf week is a great time to take a minute, reflect, and appreciate all that’s good in life.
2. It brings people together:
Lehigh may not be named a big Kool-Aid school like Penn State, but hey, we still have school spirit. We’re a small community that’s quite diversified. It’s pretty cool to be able to come together with people from different backgrounds over their love for Lehigh.
3. It's really fun to hate someone:
Lafayette College is located about twenty minutes away from Lehigh’s campus. The two don’t intermingle. I know at Lehigh they're always moments when we’ll break out and cheer against our sworn enemy. Personally, I’ve never met anyone at Lafayette who is truly a terrible person. But hey, sometimes you just need something to be mad at.
4. The rivalry always happens at a great time of the year:
Some time away from finals, right before thanksgiving, and the beautiful fall timing make the perfect combination to sit around a cozy bonfire and get riled up.
5. It's a chance to relieve stress:
If you go around campus and scream about how much you hate someone/something, you’ll most likely be deemed as crazy. This is only acceptable during Le-Laf week, and it feels so damn good.
6. Everyone can get involved:
The rivalry is not limited to just Lehigh students. If you are a human being that sometimes gets fed up with people, please come join us. We welcome any support to further our Lehigh family.
7. Le-Laf is a full week celebration:
If you want a week off from work, school, or any other life stresses, then let’s make this week an official holiday. We cannot do justice to Lehigh in just one game. Sorry professors, we need the week for this one.
8. There are bed races:
It’s like a dream come true: You can travel without leaving your bed.
9. It's just a lot of fun:
The anticipation leading up to the big game is the best part. Listening to the band play all week is exciting. Chanting fight songs all week is exciting. Creating anti-Lafayette banners is hysterical. Nothing bad can come out of this week (except if Lafayette wins).
So, make sure that this holiday season you take a moment to appreciate all the communal feels that come with Le-Laf week. If you’re not convinced that this week is the best week ever…well, then you probably belong at Lafayette.
