BYU-Idaho excels in many things — its dedication to providing a student-focused education is remarkable. It also brings quality performers and artists to an otherwise obscure rural town. 

BYU-I tries hard to keep its students involved, entertained and interested.  Something is lacking though. 
While the school’s attempts are notable, there are some things the administration cannot produce.  Paramount among the phenomenon of student-produced attributes is excitement. No matter how many light shows or dances the school provides, the excitement will always come from the students.

Students have taken great strides to producing excitement at BYU-I. The student-run comedy group Comic Frenzy has entertained thousands of students. Students performing in Guitars Unplugged pack the Hart Auditorium every semester. And yet we lack something.

BYU has it. Idaho State University has it. In fact, most universities have it, most high schools have it, even some middle schools have it. BYU-I, on the other hand, is missing it. We need a rival. 

Rivalries are the ultimate form of excitement at schools; they bring all students around a common cause and under the same banner. Rivalries, if played out appropriately, tear down barriers that divide us. All students coming together in camaraderie, what could be better?

BYU-Idaho lost intercollegiate sports as the result of a prophet’s decision, which most students on campus fully support. BYU-I’s Athletics program provides many avenues for students to participate in athletics, but it fails to create the same energy level as a great game against a big rival.

Some rivalries are taken too far and end in vandalism and violence, but the common rivalry allows groups of people who may see things differently to meet on an even playing field with set rules to enjoy a good spirited game.

The problem with BYU-I having a rivalry is rivalries within intramural sports amount to little, as both teams attend the same school and are drawn from the same student base. Frankly, students don’t know who to root for.  If BYU-I had a rival school like ISU, a close university that is fairly well known in the area, its intercollegiate teams would destroy our intramural teams in almost every game.

Thus the only viable solution to producing more excitement on campus and a greater sense of unity among students is to select Madison High School as our rival.   

True, its football team would still run circles around our Athletics program champions, but such a rivalry would be great for both schools.

BYU-I would be able to unite its student body for sporting events that would be well attended and exciting. Imagine the stadium, packed to capacity once again to see if Madison High School can defeat a team of BYU-I’s out-of-shape students. Spirit Week would have a purpose, school memorabilia sales would skyrocket and showdowns between the high schoolers and college kids at Craigo’s would be settled on the field.

There would be no concern about costs of intercollegiate sports; teams could practically walk to the opponent’s field or court. Annual rivalry games could span all sports: football, basketball, baseball, swimming and dodgeball.

The BYU-I Administration can only do so much to encourage excitement on campus, but allowing a cross-town rivalry would benefit community members, students, athletes and local businesses. If nothing else, it might teach BYU-I athletes a little humility.