Correction appended: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that the student performances were on the Diag yesterday. They are in fact taking place today.
Few causes can unite students and organizations across campus like the Michigan–Ohio State University rivalry.
While the Wolverines get ready to take on the Buckeyes this Saturday, the student-run Go Blue, Beat OSU club has planned rivalry-themed events throughout the week to build school spirit.
Despite the diverse backgrounds of organizations and students on campus, LSA senior and MSA Vice President Mike Rorro, who is part of Go Blue, Beat OSU, said the club can unite the entire campus under the shared goal of beating the Buckeyes.
“(The events) can create a really inclusive feel,” Rorro said. “It’s to make sure this week is about the unadulterated Michigan spirit.”
Go Blue, Beat OSU is made up of a wide-range of students, from student government representatives to performers to athletes, according to Music, Theatre and Dance senior Mike Michelon, who is helping organize the club’s events.
“It’s got this grassroots feeling,” Michelon said.
He praised the club’s efforts to put on these events at a university he says is traditionally not a “pep-rally school.”
The group was created before the 2007 Michigan-OSU game to facilitate a campus rally before the game. Since then, the group has expanded its reach to other events in the week, in addition to the rally.
The first event, which took place yesterday afternoon at Sigma Chi fraternity, was a “car bash.” Students could pay to take swings at a car emblazoned with OSU logos with a sledgehammer. Proceeds from the event went to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.
There were also student performances on the Diag today.
Other events will include competitions, like a pizza-eating competition and a buckeye-smashing competition, on the Diag tomorrow from noon to 3 p.m.
The events will culminate on Friday at 6 p.m. with a rally on the Diag. Football players and coaches are expected to attend.
According to Rorro, the organization raised about $14,000 from student organizations, student governments and University departments to help sponsor the events.
“This is a huge opportunity for us to come together not only as sports fans but as a community, as a University of Michigan,” Rorro said.
Even though the Michigan football team is reeling after four straight losses, Go Blue, Beat OSU members say they don’t think it will dampen the events.
“This is the greatest rivalry in college sports,” Rorro said. “If you win it, the whole season is forgiven.”