More than 8,000 students, alumni, parents, and fans put on their parkas, braved the elements, and packed into Byron P. Hollett Little Giant Stadium for the 109th renewal of college football's greatest rivalry.
Okay, so a few of the 8,000 people decided to shed their shirts and paint giant red W's on their chests just for a few seconds on television, even as snow flurries peppered the late afternoon skies.
But whether they wore layers and layers or nothing at all, Wabash and DePauw fans behaved, and sportsmanship ruled on a day when emotions often run high.
For weeks we worry about stadium security and wonder whether or not fans are able to keep the game and rivalry in the appropriate perspective. We hire security with hopes that a few rambunctious fans don't spoil the wonderful tradition that dates back to 1890. National media attention seems to magnify our fears.
Saturday was a classic. Starting with the very first tailgaters who rolled in the night before and ending hours after the game was over, the very best aspects of intercollegiate athletics—and this age old rivalry—were on display.
Wabash and DePauw fans had a great time before and during the game. While walking through the tailgate area, I saw fans wearing both schools' colors mixing and mingling; telling stories of games played 20 years ago as if no time had passed at all.
From my vantage point in the endzone and along the sideline, I heard far less heckling and negative chants than in past years from both sides of the field. There seemed to be almost no trash talking on the field. I even saw Wabash and DePauw players extending hands to help guys up off the near-frozen field after plays had ended.
There was no pre-game brawl. The chants were largely in support of the respective teams. And when it was all over, the crowds saluted their teams, sang their songs, and headed for warmer environs.
I stuck around after the game for a long time. What I saw is what I've dreamed of seeing when the two terrific schools collide.
I saw Wabash linebacker Nate Boulais with his arm around DePauw defensive back David Blackburn. DePauw's Dan Ryan was chatting up Wabash's Blair Hammer. Tiger sports information director Bill Wagner, hurting in defeat, sought out Wabash seniors to congratulate them.
It was also the first time the two teams had met since the Allen Center had been completed with its home and visitor's locker rooms just a few feet apart. As Wabash's players were finally hitting the showers at the end of the day, some DePauw guys were heading up the same hallways.
"You guys played a great game," said one Tiger to a couple of Little Giants. "Good luck in the playoffs," said another.
Arms were extended, hands were shaken, and even a few hugs exchanged.
The intensity of the rivalry was kept in the right perspective. Both teams left it all on the field. When the game was done, opposing players realized that they really do have a lot in common.
And I know they understood that mutual respect really is the driving force behind the tradition.
Jim Amidon is director of public affairs and marketing at Wabash College.