Now that Warde and Ludlowe have returned, albeit with slightly different school names and very different mascots, will today's rivalry be as intense as it was in the 1960s and 70s? That depends. According to our latest on-line survey, it's a virtual "toss-up," so-to-speak.
Of the 22 total votes cast, 11 people (52%) felt the battles would be just as hard-fought today as they were when we attended high school. Ten readers (47%) thought the rivalry was much more heated "back in the day," while just one person felt it really didn't matter.
Former AWHS athletic director and coach Ed Bengermino thinks it will be a war whenever Warde and Ludlowe meet. "I believe the rivalry will be equal to what it was in my heyday coaching in the 70s and 80s," he told me Sunday afternoon during a chance encounter, acknowledging that the youth programs of today might make things a little bit different.
"I think that will soften it a little bit because they know each other, but when they throw that ball up, they're not going to be friendly," Bengermino added. "They're going to want to beat each other."
Former Warde basketball star and current Roger Ludlowe Middle School principal Glenn Mackno hopes there is not as much animosity today. "Our games were very intense," he affirmed. "I do look forward to the rivalry. I hope (it's) a different type of rivalry. I don't think I want it to go back to the days where they were fierce."
In case you're wondering, the Warde and Ludlowe boys' and girls' basketball teams play a doubleheader on Friday evening, February 8, at the Mustangs' gymnasium. The girls' game begins at 6 o'clock, while the boys tip off at 7:45.
Mark the date on your calendar and see for yourself. As for me, I'll be there rooting for today's Mustangs and yesterday's Crimson Eagles.
Paul
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