As college campuses across the state continue to reel from the decision to shake up an athletic conference, leaders from two football powerhouses are pledging to protect a historic rivalry.
This week, the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference voted to oust the University of St. Thomas from its membership, citing "athletic competitive parity in the conference as a primary concern."
But on Thursday, Saint John's University Football Head Coach, Gary Fasching, responded to a request by KARE 11's Karla Hult.
In a statement, Fasching wrote: "I am saddened and disappointed that we were not able to keep the MIAC intact. We have deep respect for all of our fellow MIAC members. We have a great rivalry with St. Thomas and will do everything we can to continue the great Johnnie-Tommie rivalry."
The statement is the latest signal of support for preserving the rivalry.
In its statement yesterday, the University of St. Thomas also wrote: "We would like to find a way for this historic rivalry to continue into the future."
A St. Thomas spokesperson said no meetings had been scheduled for how to continue the contests, noting that the university first needs to determine where it will land.
Meantime, students on the Saint John's campus bemoaned the MIAC decision, calling the spectacle of the showdown between Saint John's and St. Thomas a college highlight.
"I really enjoy the rivalry, and I think it brings everybody in the conference up, in terms of the level of competition," said Kevin Lamb, who just graduated from Saint John's.
"It builds the two schools up," agreed fellow graduating senior, Ryan Gall, who added: "They're both very old Catholic schools that welcome all people. And it's kinda frustrating to see other MIAC schools in the area are kinda not being welcoming."
In terms of the "game day" itself, Gall said: "It's amazing. It's definitely something that one has to come and experience."
"So many people – everybody wants to be there," Lamb recalled.
"It's a big part of the culture," described Bridget Stattelman-Stanlan, a junior at the College of Saint Benedict.
"There's nothing compared to that," agreed Najib Ahmed, who added, "But at the end of the day, It's not us who decide who get to play or who do not get to play."