Not only was I the only person in the family who was Penn State fan, but I was the only one in the room. Little did I know it was a Buckeye Bar, and I was the only Penn State fan there. Last year, we watched the Ohio State-Penn State game at a bar since the game was over fall break. He even ventured as far as boldly putting a Penn State flag up next to his Ohio State flag. I received countless calls and messages about my decision and was constantly asked why I chose Penn State.Īlthough my dad teases me about going to Penn State (and our lack of wins against Ohio State), he has always been supportive. In high school, everyone assumed I was Ohio State-bound…until I announced I was going to Penn State. After we moved from Ohio, it became a yearly tradition to fly up for a game and tailgate with all my dad’s friends and the folks who still taught there. My dad went to graduate school at Ohio State and eventually taught there. I was born in Ohio State University’s hospital and grew up in a house near campus. The sports rivalry in my family didn’t begin until I went to college but ended up being one most Nittany Lions fans know all too well: Ohio State vs. After all, it’s hard to not fraternize with the enemy when they’re your own blood. Sports feuds among families can lead to some awkward dinners and chaotic matchups. However, sports rivalries between family members are quite a different ballgame. It’s all a part of being a sports fan and makes watching games all that more exciting and interesting. Sometimes there’s nothing more fun than a sports rivalry.

Ohio stater