The rivalry between the University of North Carolina and NC State University is one of the most intense in college athletics. UNC is a powerhouse when it comes to basketball, but NC State has earned respect for their passionate fanbase particularly with football. Every game played is a battle of the states with fans rallying up to cheer on their teams.
Although these universities are known for their outstanding performances, they are not only good for sports but also for their education systems. NC State is proud of their engineering and agricultural roots and Carolina is known for their academic fame.
Here at Green Level many people decide to go to UNC or NC State considering they are some of the best universities in our state. The past few years around 1,200 students total have gone to one of these state schools. Around 600 go to NC State and another 600 go to UNC furthering their education.
Beyond academics, a rivalry game that had just taken place was a volleyball match on Sunday, September 28th. UNC took home the victory in four sets.
NC State’s freshman middle blocker, Talia Francom, graduated from Green Level High School before continuing her athletic career with the Wolfpack. In the match she had four blocks and had eleven hitting attempts, ending the game with three impressive kills. For people at Green Level watching one of their alumni players really made the matchup even more meaningful. Her performance was an example of the talent held here at Green Level.
To understand how this rivalry correlates with Green Level, some students shared their experiences with the NC State and UNC pride.
“I love NC State. I have kind of just grown up around it. My whole family had gone there and it’s just been a part of me since I was little.” Said Mollie Sellman. “I go to many football games and basketball games, they are really fun.”
Although we have a lot of State fans we also have many who root for the Carolina blue.
Junior Kallie O’Connell said, “I went to a volleyball game with my family and I just really loved the school, it’s very nice.”
With students, alumni, and families so split between the two universities, the UNC and NC State rivalry reaches beyond the scoreboard. It represents loyalty to a team, traditions being created, and the future dreams of students right here at this school. No matter what color a student chooses, beaming red or the classic Carolina blue, the rivalry will stand strong fueled with passion.
