Coming soon: Varsity 2017

There’s something in the air – something different. As you embark on your bleary-eyed return to Warwick, already some three weeks behind with work as the hopelessness of your predicament dawns on you; wallowing in regret for that fatal mince pie that you could so easily have avoided, you notice campus is not the same as before.

POP! continues to play those timeless classics; still there is nowhere to sit in the library, and yet you are sure of it. You sense it. Something is building.

Journey up to Westwood or Cryfield and the once bitter winds breeze with profundity. A new seriousness lodges itself within the walls of Desso Hall. As a garish blue and magenta horde rises, Warwick readies itself for the renewal of the bitterest of rivalries. Varsity is coming.

In retrospect, the ‘garish blue and magenta horde’ part might have been somewhat uncalled for. But this is Varsity: anything goes. Few will be unacquainted with the fierce animosity that defines our relationship with Coventry University. The light ribbing/merciless derision (call it what you will) of our noisy neighbours is a familiar and much-loved pastime for Warwick students, past and present.

The delirium of Varsity is inescapable.

But it’s Varsity that counts above all else. Soon campus will be inundated with banners depicting our serious-faced soon-to-be champions, imposing in stature as their eyes follow your every movement – it’s genuinely unnerving. Feverish commentary showcasing the past magic of Varsity will ring loud in your ears whilst concern grows for the zealous student commentator’s health. The delirium of Varsity is inescapable.

One thing is certain: over the next seven weeks you will be reminded time and time again of the indubitable proof of our own superiority. In 26 years of the competition, Warwick have never lost. It’s a record that tremors through every moment – through every goal, through every try, through every point scored – still, Coventry cannot beat us. For Warwick, defeat is unthinkable.

Last year witnessed one of the closest Varsity competitions in recent memory, with a Super Saturday of nine wins in thirteen enough to spare Warwick blushes. Amendments to the fixture list were credited for the closer competition and this year the fixtures promise more of the same.

In 26 years of the competition, Warwick have never lost.

Pool at Riley’s Bar in Coventry will officially inaugurate proceedings on 16 February, though this year’s real curtain raiser is the ice hockey on the 23 February. What follows is a whirlwind three days of 28 fixtures, culminating at the Ricoh Arena for the men’s rugby where one university will be crowned champions – it’s not to be missed.

Sports Officer Ted Crowson’s message is clear. “Warwick remains undefeated by Coventry in all but one respect: support at Varsity fixtures. My challenge to all those at Warwick is simple – whether you are a staff member, student, child or avid Arts Centre-goer, turn out in force to all the fixtures. Get the dates in your calendar now. Put the laptop down. Step out of the library. And when 23rd-26th of February is upon us, be there shouting on the touchline with all of #TeamWarwick behind you – shouting for a win. Frankly, you’d have to be as daft as a Cov supporter to miss out.’”

Ted’s ready – are you?