Loyalties got mixed a little when my sister wore green under her maize to please her fiancé. My dad even switched out of his MSU shirt into some U-M gear when he arrived at the “Big House” Saturday, fearing abuse from Wolverine fans.

Interestingly enough, he returned home in green and white with, of course, a big smile. I cannot say the same for my uncle.

Surveying the flags waving across Ann Arbor last Saturday along with the mixed allegiances of my own family brought a certain phrase to mind: “A house divided cannot stand.” What is it that holds my family together?

At the end of the night we all came back together and my uncle even afforded me a few smug comments. It was “too soon” to speak to my brother. Rivalries aside, I can count on the character of my family to remain constant.

On Saturday, I was thrilled with the win and relieved my endless smack talk would not be coming back to haunt me.
Sure, winning is great. It is amazing to have another year of leverage in my divided household. How many days has it been since the Wolverines beat MSU in football or basketball? Will U-M fans finally return to tying their shoelaces? These are fun questions to ask a defeated family member.

Ultimately, sweet victory is not as important as character. I was most proud to be a Spartan because of the character I saw represented.

Small choices matter. I saw those small character choices reflected in gracious and humble media interviews.

It was evident in a captain’s decision to lead a team prayer after the decisive victory and again in junior quarterback Kirk Cousins’ bold post-game choice to give an interview in a shirt with the words “Real Men Love Jesus.” I am proud to be a Spartan.

However, character on a college campus is not always as it should be. No surprise there. There are moments when I’m not as proud to call myself a Spartan as I’d like to be.

Obscenities used in student-section cheers speak very little for the overall character of the student body.

The argument that every school uses similar cheers simply is not a valid excuse for Spartans. Yes, other schools do have far worse cheers.

I have been to hockey games at Yost Ice Arena; I’ve heard them. It becomes a bit awkward when one’s grandparents ask what the student section is shouting at the opposing team and you hesitantly reply “I’m not sure.”

You know exactly what they’re saying; it is just too profane to repeat.

What is it that we as MSU students declare? “We are not the same, I am a Spartan.” If that is true, then shouting the same obscene cheers as every other Big Ten school makes us all the same. Where is the difference?

I wonder how many fans bother to read the “Spartans Fans Raise Your Shield” e-mails sent out by the MSU Athletics Department.

The message is relevant and important, but unfortunately often ignored or dismissed. I will admit to viewing those messages with a slight level of annoyance. Like most, I have viewed them as another futile attempt by the administration to control student behavior.

With every example of a student-athlete representing his school well, there is often a negative example that poorly reflects on the entire university.

Drunk driving charges or student-athletes convicted of violent crimes attract far more media attention than the decision to wear a T-shirt reflecting one’s faith in God.

What makes you proud to be a Spartan? For me, it is seeing quality character demonstrated by student-athletes and students alike.

It is out there, and is more important than any athletic victory.

The same thing that holds a divided family together in a college rivalry must hold this university together. A house divided cannot stand — character is essential.

Kristen Kitti is a State News guest columnist. Reach her at kittikri@msu.edu.