Elmwood Park vs. Ridgewood. The highly anticipated game for all sports at EPHS. A rivalry that has been going on for more than 50 years, which has had great significance at our school.

Separated by only four miles, Ridgewood and Elmwood Park became conference foes in 1962. Joining the Tri-State Conference in 1962, the Rebels became one of EP’s rivals. The Tigers and Rebels remained in the Tri-State Conference alongside Fenton, Glenbrook, North Chicago, and Palatine until 1974. The schools later were rivals in the O’Hare Suburban, Southwest Suburban and Suburban Prairie, Metro Suburban conferences, and are now mainstays in the Upstate 8 Conference.

The Upstate 8 Conference consists of Elmwood Park, Bartlett, East Aurora, Elgin, Fenton, Glenbard East, Glenbard South, Larkin, Ridgewood, Riverside Brookfield, West Chicago, South Elgin, Streamwood, and West Aurora.

Most students at EPHS feel a game against Ridgewood is highly exciting. For most, if not all Ridgewood games, there is usually a bigger turnout. For most sports, the match against Ridgewood is saved for senior night. One of the most recent games against the Rebels was a varsity football game that took place on Oct. 25, 2024. The match was played at home, where the Tigers lost 21-48.

The Tigers are no strangers to the Rebels at Ridgewood. Both Ridgewood and Elmwood Park students cross paths throughout grade school. Elm Middle School, the middle school that feeds into EPHS, goes head-to-head with Union Ridge, Pennoyer, and the Norridge School District, which includes Giles and Leigh. Union Ridge, Pennoyer, and the Norridge School District are some of Elm Middle School’s conference foes. By the time EPHS students play the Rebels, they are quite familiar with this rivalry.

Interview With An EPHS Athlete

Let’s take a look at one of EPHS’ very own athletes. Mary-Katherine Medrano is a senior and varsity starter for volleyball at EPHS. In her interview, I asked Medrano for her perspective on any games she’s played against the Rebels.

When asked what she takes away from a game against the Rebels, Medrano said, “I consider the Ridgewood game just like any other game except the crowd is more hyped and riled up. It’s a way for the community to come together and be closely knit with a volleyball game as rivalries.” I then asked her what emotions she feels during a game against Ridgewood. Medrano answered, “I definitely felt thrilled and could sense the shot of adrenaline when I played volleyball against Ridgewood. The fact that they are our rival school was embedded in my mind, making me feel more competitive. This is actually a good thing since wanting to win is a part of the game and makes me play better.”

Medrano’s response clearly demonstrates the pride EPHS players have for their school. Another great point Medrano makes is that the Ridgewood game is not only exciting for the athletes, but also for the entire community.

Conclusion

The majority of EPHS students are competitive when it comes to facing off against the Rebels. The supporters on the sidelines of both schools are what motivate both the Tigers and the Rebels to keep playing. No matter which school you’re cheering for, the competition can only be as great as the participation from both sides.

Works Cited:

• Chicago Tribune. (2018) Ridgewood-Elmwood Park football rivalry goes back 50 years. Retrieved October 28, 2024 from https://www.chicagotribune.com/2018/09/08/ridgewood-elmwood-park-football-rivalry-goes-back-50-years/
• EPHS. (2024). EPHS Athletics. Retrieved November 1, 2024 from https://ephs.epcusd401.org/athletics
• (M. Medrano, personal communication, November 1, 2024).
• Ridgewood. (2024). Ridgewood High School. Retrieved October 28, 2024 from https://www.d234.org/community/partner-districts/