The University of North Carolina and Duke have one. The University of Florida and Florida State University have one. Ohio State and Michigan have one. A rivalry.
Often determined by geography, a rival is a team that every fan loves to hate and every athlete loves to play against. A rivalry is often created because of an unwavering desire for local bragging rights. NSU is no different. The Sharks’ two biggest rivals are Barry University and Lynn University.
When the NSU Sharks come up against the Buccaneers of Barry or the Fighting Knights of Lynn records are forgotten. Current league standings are ignored. All that matters is that one game, race or tournament. All that matters is winning.
Separated by only 18 miles, the Buccaneers are the Sharks’ closest Sunshine State Conference rivals. Located in Miami Shores, the Buccaneers have been the Sharks main rival for almost a decade. The Buccaneers enjoyed a successful 2009-2010 season. Men’s soccer, women’s tennis and women’s rowing all won the conference titles. Also, the Men’s and women’s basketball teams reached the conference finals.
“There’s no other team in the SSC you want to beat more than Barry,” said women’s rower Megan Kim, senior.
“It’s even more rewarding to not only get a win against them, but to put them in their place at the same time,” said Kim.
When she is not competing, Kim can be seen at athletic events around campus. As a “Finatic”, which is a NSU Shark fan, she believes there is a special atmosphere when the Buccaneers come to campus.
“I think there’s more excitement and tension in the air when our teams play Barry,” said Kim.
When the Sharks come up against the Buccaneers, it is imperative that every Finatic attempts to make the occasion as hostile as possible for the visiting team.
“Playing a rival like Barry turns an average game into a personal battle against them,” said Kim.
NSU’s other main rival the Fighting Knights is located in Boca Raton, 29 miles away. The Fighting Knights have become one of the Sharks fiercest rivals in the SSC. Competitive in every sport, the Fighting Knights are the current women’s basketball conference champions.
“When it comes to playing Lynn, you’re playing for more than a victory,” said men’s soccer defender Tim Taylor.
Taylor scored the winning penalty kick as the Sharks defeated the Fighting Knights back in November for the first time since 1986.
“Sometimes you look back on a season and reflect not on how well you played or the numbers posted on your record, but on the fact that you defeated Lynn that year; spoiling their season,” said Taylor.
Whatever the sport, whatever the date be sure to mark your calendar and paint your face blue and white and join the rest of the Finatics when the Buccaneers and the Fighting Knights come to campus.
