Lilia Saxena Smithson's parents
By LILIA SAXENA SMITHSON
There is just nothing quite like a house divided in the Bluegrass on college football’s infamous Rivalry Weekend. Cats and Cards fans across Kentucky pack into one of two stadiums or huddle around the TV to cheer for their team (and honestly, it better be the boys in blue).
These Saturdays have always been a heck of a time for my family with my mom being a UK alum (secretly a U of L med school grad) and my dad being a proud U of L graduate. Between my brother and I, we have always been ones to pick sides with a parent. For once, I do not like mine and my mom’s odds (Saturday) with the Cats in our corner, much to my dad’s and brother’s enjoyment.
My mom, Angela Saxena, grew up in the mountains of eastern Kentucky — not a U of L fan in sight. Her mom was an avid Kentucky fan, loving all things basketball. Football might not have been her forte, but she sure knew who she was rooting for, making it a part of my mom’s identity all through growing up until she became a Wildcat herself.
Dad, on the other hand, is a California boy who SOMEHOW ended up a Cardinal lover — sure, he received his MBA from U of L, but come on, Dad, you’re killing me. When is the sudden change of heart coming? It’s about time you give up the red.
I’d have to assume Dad’s team pick was somehow never a topic of discussion while he was dating Mom, but it’s for the better because this tension makes UK vs. U of L games all the better.
This Saturday, when my family ventures to Cardinal Stadium for the much anticipated noon kick-off, I will be enthusiastically watching my parents, the crowd, and, oh yes, of course, the football — hopefully, the boys have on cute outfits(uniforms? — call it what you will).
Until then, UK fans — cross your fingers and do your good luck dance. U of L fans … switch it up and wear blue on Saturday!
