ALEX KERR | staff writer

Rituals are celebrated and revered for the spirit of the rivalry.

Oxford vs. Cambridge; East Coast vs. West Coast; APU vs. Biola—all rivals with the ability to evoke emotions within diehard fans similar to the battle scenes of “Braveheart”.

From the first days of freshman orientation, to the final toss of the graduation caps, APU students are bombarded with one simple message: Beat BIOLA.

Cheers and chants are learned, faces are painted, and seemingly irrelevant, yet always entertaining slogans like “surf naked” and “get some,” are devised.

Although they are not natural enemies, the Cougar and the Eagle have grown to symbolize a battle of academics, athleticism, and all around pranking abilities. Legendary stories of successful strikes against Biola can be retold by nearly every student on campus, ensuring a future generation of Cougars that will remain firm in the stand against the Eagle.

College rivalries are far from uncommon or unwanted. They can promote a sense of unity among students, revive a school’s athletic department, and promote alumni enthusiasm and involvement.

Without them, the all-around college experience would be entirely altered.

Junior communication studies major and Sports Director for KAPU radio, Rob Schwandt, has seen the Biola/APU rivalry at the height of its intensity.

“As a broadcaster, it feels like you can’t make any mistakes because this is the biggest game of the year, and everyone is listening. As a fan, it’s intoxicating, once you know you can never go back,” Schwandt said.

As many Azusa Pacific students remember, several pranks against the Eagles have stood out among others.

Their stories have been told time again, promoting Cougar pride and a general sense of excitement for Azusa Pacific vs. Biola sporting events.

Last year, students witnessed one practical joke pulled on Biola’s own Eagle mascot. “Pullin’ the Double Eagle,” as it has been dubbed on YouTube, brought a replica eagle mascot to the Biola vs. APU basketball game. Donning an Azusa Pacific “Blackout” shirt, the replica mascot was, for a moment, a physical representation of the competitive spirit between both schools.

Sometimes the competitive spirit has been turned negative by students who take their pride in the rivalry too far, as evidenced by the rock-throwing incident, which occurred on Nov. 6 after an APU-Biola volleyball match.

There is concern among students on both campus on drawing a line between healthy competition and unsportsmanlike harassment. Security at both APU and Biola has the same concern.

“We want events to be peaceful,” Deputy Chief, of Biola’s Campus Safety Department, John Ojeisekhoba said.

Ojeisekhoba described the efforts both universities go to in order to ensure APU vs. Biola sporting events go smoothly. He said the Campus Safety departments collaborate months ahead on keeping the games safe for everyone.

Ojeisekhoba advises both APU and Biola students to report incidents with their respective campus security offices instead of taking matters in their own hands.

Biola students share their experiences with the APU-Biola rivalry.

“I’m not that into it at all,” Biola sophomore nursing major Jana Bailus said. “I want to support my school and my friends who play sports, but I’m not willing to risk my integrity or hate other people for the sake of Biola.”

Biola sophomore psychology major Mike Morin has a different perspective.

“The APU and Biola rivalry is unique in that we are both Christian schools so we share that common denominator,” Morin said. “Overall, I’m glad that the rivalry exists because it is strengthening school spirit at each respective university.”