Any Lehigh (or Lafayette!) fan will tell you it’s always exciting to watch the Rivalry, the crosstown football match-up being played for the 160th time this year. But what’s it like to be inside the game — as a Lehigh player, cheerleader, or member of the Marching 97 — making memories on the field?
Three “insiders” shared their perspectives with us. Spoiler: They’re excited! Go, Mountain Hawks!
Ignatious Williams ’28
Team: Football
Position: Cornerback
Major: Undecided
Hometown: Laurel, Maryland
As a football player, it’s a big honor to put on a Lehigh jersey and play in the longstanding Rivalry game. As a first-year, I have yet to experience my first Rivalry Week, but I’ve heard many things about it, including “Lehigh fans’ favorite team is Lehigh and whoever Lafayette is playing.” I know the football team is amped to bring the trophy back to Bethlehem on November 23!
I’m looking forward to the energy everyone will bring — I can’t wait to see Goodman Stadium packed with screaming Lehigh fans … and singing our alma mater after a victory!
Blair Dickinson ’26
Team: Cheerleading
Position: Backspot
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Houston, Texas
It’s exciting to be a part of this tradition — that feeling is what keeps me motivated through the busy week leading up to the game. Between practice, cheering at basketball games, and accompanying the Marching 97 during EcoFlame, it can be exhausting. But by the time that Rivalry Saturday arrives, it’s impossible to not be energized by the crowd.
I love being surrounded by the shared excitement — it’s like no other game in the season! I hope everyone makes the effort to show up at Goodman Stadium this year since Lehigh won’t be hosting again until 2026.
Maeve McGowan ’25
Team: Marching 97
Position: Baritone
Major: Psychology
Hometown: East Windsor, New Jersey
Many people in the Marching 97 call Rivalry Week “the most wonderful time of the year.” In fact, we colloquially refer to the countdown to LeLaf as “The 12 Days of LeLafmas.” Our signature Rivalry Week event is EcoFlame, where we wreak havoc on campus by bursting into various classes and offices. We spend our last two weeks of rehearsal practicing our halftime performance for the big game, where we often show “LE” defeating “LAF” in our formations. We always conclude our performance with Marching LEHIGH and the alma mater.
The energy is unmatched, which makes performing in Goodman Stadium that much more special. It’s also fun meeting with the Lafayette band and playing for President Helble at the President’s Brunch before the game. I’m most excited about playing my last halftime show at Lehigh with my friends! Beat Lafayette!!!
