It’s well known throughout the Saint Vrain Valley School District that Frederick High School is Mead’s biggest rival. The rivalry, according to students, is described as “passionate” and “hard-fought,” pushing athletes to work harder at games by filling student sections with school spirit.
Kolby Gomez (‘28), explains that, “the rivalry definitely has effects on our school, it really determines the amount of work we put in and whoever comes out on top. I guess many people would say that” Gomez shares his honest opinion about Mead’s rival, Frederick, as well, sharing how he doesn’t care for Frederick much “but they’re definitely good competition to have.”
Emma Hipsher (‘28) from Frederick High School, believes Mead does better at sports than Frederick. She proceeded to explain the rivalry between the two schools as “toxic” and “disappointing.” Hipsher claims the rivalry “prevents students from both schools from being friends.” She dives into the positive side of the rivalry as well. She comments, “I think the rivalry also impacts our school by giving us something to look forward to at games and giving us something to fight for.”
Jameson Franks (‘27), states his strong opinion about Mead being overall the better school stating “I say we’re better in every single aspect, every single way. You know, basketball team, we crush them, football, we crush them.”
Bennet Bradt (‘28), shares his harsh opinion about rival school Frederick. He believes the rivalry impacts our sports and school spirit stating “If we lose, we suck,” adding, “I don’t care for them much, but I guess it fuels our school to push harder [in] sports.” Bradt also touches on the competitive nature of the rivalry, and the pressure it puts on games.
Ashlyn Ear (‘28), says that Frederick is an “okay school,” and criticizes Mead and Frederick’s cohesiveness, complaining how “people from our team and Frederick’s team are kind of toxic to each other, and I think we should all just be friends.” Ashlyn also explains that the rivalry between both schools can be disappointing at times “because why [do we have to] be rivals when we can all just be friends?”
Dane LaCome (‘28), a Frederick freshman, states how “both of us kind of stink” but, touching on the difference between academic opportunities at both schools, shared that “Frederick has more AP classes and more opportunities. I think that’s one of the reasons why I chose to go to Frederick.” Despite this, Dane confidently states that “overall though, Mead is a better school” and in his eyes, the rivalry defines both the school’s culture and behavior.
The overall rivalry between both schools depends on the person’s outlook. At times, students’ opinions on the opposing school are solely sports-fueled and biased, as Ashlyn Ear states, “people’s opinions of the rivalry depends on what side of the stands you’re on.” Putting into perspective both sides of this seemingly never-ending conflict, the rivalry between Mead and Frederick seems to fuel school pride, fight, and attitude.
