Albin: Cherish Rivalry Week

Fight, fight, you Raiders!
Fight for Rider High!
We will shout your praises, Raiders,
Shout them to the sky!
Black and gold banners
Hold our loyalty
Fight on, Raiders,
Onward, Raiders,
Always on to victory!

As a graduate of Rider High School (almost 50 years ago), the fight song means more to me now than it did back then, especially during Rider/Old High week. Each year brings more memories to cherish, and the excitement of this rivalry does not diminish.

As a student of Rider High School and a member of the Rider staff for the last 24 years, my perspective of this rivalry week has changed, but the joy that this
week brings has not.

The Friday before the rivalry week begins with hall decorations. Each class and organization decorates a hallway to the max! It gives me goosebumps to walk in Monday and see all of the decorations.

The week begins with special dress-up days, then we play the JV and freshman games. In my senior year, the first Happening was held in 1973. It was ended in the late 1990s. The Happening was brought back in 2006, because of the efforts of Loy Studer.

The Happening is on Thursday night, including the parade. A lot of hard work from teachers, students and parents make this event special. The parade always ends
with everyone in the fieldhouse. The gym is in darkness as the cheerleaders lead the players inside. The players and cheerleaders sit in a circle on the gym floor while inspirational speeches are given by distinguished alumni and the choir sings “Beautiful Savior.” Flashlights illuminate the gym as the alma mater is sung as we close.

Friday brings Mum Day, one of my favorite traditions. The day begins with the Mum Day Declaration, and after that the band marches around the outside of the school playing the fight song. The student body remains silent until the the victory bell is rung at the pep rally.

I am always so full of respect and so proud of the students observing the tradition of silence. It leads to an explosion of spirit when the victory bell is rung at the pep rally.

Last year’s victory was the 8th in a ROHO, and marked the 17th victory in the last 20 games. All time, the record is 39-18-3, with Rider holding a big advantage. I’m sure that our Raiders will once again be victorious, and that the game will be electric and exciting.

I love my Rider Raider Family more than I can ever put into words. Those that have never been a part of this tradition can never understand what it means. Know that I am cheering you on to victory!

We are the Rider Raiders. We are One Family, One Team!