Fans travel to represent team deep in Wolverine territory

The rivalry between MSU and Michigan fuels Spartans’ spirit more than any other game, regardless of the sport. And for some MSU students, the more than 60 miles that separate the two campuses wouldn’t stop them from making an away game feel more like home.

“The rivalry is important for fans, for bragging rights and such,” said Brian Riedy, an international relations senior who ventured to Ann Arbor to see the Spartans’ 54-42 victory against the Wolverines Tuesday.

Riedy said he bought his tickets back in December.

“I went to the Michigan game during the football season as well, and I just wanted to go see this game,” he said. “Especially since this is an important game for MSU in the Big Ten.”

Before the game, Riedy said he was expecting a tough fight between the two schools.

“Michigan’s been very erratic with beating good teams, and I’m hoping that Michigan State will prevail,” he said.

Riedy’s roommate, political science and economics senior James Lim, was equally pumped.

“Either we should crush them or Michigan will surprise us like they did a few years ago,” Lim said before the game.

After their classes, the two roommates met with three of their friends before the game to share a car ride to Ann Arbor.

“I did my best to try to get my friends and people to go,” Riedy said. “It’s a good sign of success for people to go, and it’s the sign of a really good program.”

German senior Claudia Molter, who attended the game with Riedy and Lim, said despite the win, the rivalry will never diminish.

“It would only be the first of many battles between us and it wouldn’t be over,” she said.

In order to show their Spartans pride, the group took an MSU flag with them to wave during the game.

“I have three exams tomorrow, but I would never miss this for the world,” said accounting junior Victoria Maynard, sitting in the upper deck with friends. “I had to represent the Izzone.”

MSU’s victory over the Wolverines made the travel to Ann Arbor worth it for Riedy and his friends.

“I’m very proud of the team, they put up a good fight and will have a good rest of the season,” Riedy said.

Staff reporter Alex Altman contributed to this story.