"People like to see Yale prove its dominance over Harvard," says Yale freshman Jerry A. Miller. "I'm going to see the new way that Yale will tramp over Harvard."
Harvard Band Manager Joseph F. McCafferty '86 cautions against letting school spirit go too far. "Yale sucks" paraphernalia is "out of place," he says.
"I think it's great to have things to cheer on Harvard, but when school pride gets to the point where you're actually putting down the other institution, especially an institution like Yale, it's absurd," the band boss adds.
Torn Loyalties
Those with ties to both schools usually have no problem deciding which ties are the ones that bond. Lee, who played football for Yale, doesn't think twice about "definitely" rooting for the Elis.
Similarly, the business students jetting to New Haven are siding with their college alma mater.
Yale fanatic Nordhaus will sit across the Yale Bowl from his son tomorrow. According to the elder Nordhaus, son Jeffrey '89 is just exhibiting transitory sentiments.
"For a temporary period he may find himself rooting with Harvard so fellow students don't beat him up," says the elder Nordhaus. "His youthful mislaid enthusiasm will change."
Certainly, The Game isn't New Haven's only attraction this weekend. "Two minutes after the game you've forgotten the score," says Blake.
"We're not going to be watching the game, it's more having a good time," says Marie L. Park '87.
"I'm psyched," says Patrick Rivelli '88, "because it's nothing but a weekend of partying. Even if we lose the game, or if there wasn't one, it's a great weekend of partying. I really don't care if we win or lose."
"Everybody's there," adds Peter A. Robertson '88.
"Friends and a lot of alumni who wouldn't normally go to any game go to this one," says Eileen R. Trujallo '86.
"It's fun being together, huddling with friends in the stands, passing around coffee or flasks of other beverages," says Chau.
"We've just been told that this is the 'big game'--it's the only football game I go to each year," says Park.