Red and blue encounters

Contributed by Samantha Rich

The N.C. State v. UNC-Chapel Hill football game is a staple of every football season. Tomorrow thousands of red and blue fans will converge on Carter-Finley Stadium in anticipation of watching their favorite team defeat their least favorite team. During World War II, however, the lack of players and reports of campus vandalism forced the schools to cancel their longstanding tradition. According to Technician, during the war, N.C. State, which hosted an Army Specialized Training Program, had a large population of male students ineligible for collegiate competition. Likewise, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill hosted many Naval trainees ineligible for athletic competition. Canceled in 1943 by college administrators after a Carolina victory, the series resumed in 1947.

However, the N.C. State – Carolina series was quickly threatened due to various reports of vandalism on both campuses. Technician reported that N.C. State students allegedly painted “NCS” on Carolina buildings. State Student Body President Jennings Teal (1947-1948) met with UNC student leaders in an effort to discuss solutions to vandalism problems. These efforts, while optimistic, did not result in reduced vandalism however, for the following week Technician reported UNC fans painted the base of the Memorial Tower blue. Despite reports of vandalism, the football series continued for many years, only to be canceled in 1952 as a result of a polio “outbreak” at UNC. Four Carolina students and one athlete were diagnosed with the disease.

With no fear of cancellation tomorrow, students and fans should enjoy yet another meeting of the Triangle’s red and blue – Go Pack!