After 45 years of tradition at Rice Stadium, the annual Kinkaid–St. John’s rivalry football game moved to a new location, marking the end of a long-standing chapter in the schools’ shared history.
For decades, the Rice Stadium game was a fall highlight for students, alumni and families. But this year, the rivalry was played on the St. John’s home field, a change that stirred mixed emotions across the community.
“It is a break in a long tradition, which takes away some of the memories,” said senior yell leader Johnny Walters. “I think that moving the game to our home fields takes away some of the hype for the younger kids and their parents who look forward to the annual cookout at Rice.”
The Falcon Feast, a longtime cherished tradition in our community, still took place before the game.
“I am upset about the game being moved because it feels like a tradition is being broken, and I was looking forward to having my final Kinkaid–St John’s game be at Rice,” said senior football captain Parker Herleth.
Herleth, a lifer at Kinkaid, has attended the rivalry for the past 11 years.
Some players also saw the location change in a positive light.
“I think it is cool to have the opportunity to get to take down our rivals at their own place,” said senior football captain Morgan Tannery.
The varsity cheer team shared similar mixed opinions. Many expressed that they were sad to lose the thrill of performing in a packed stadium at halftime.
“I am extremely sad. I loved the Rice location because there was so much more enthusiasm and build-up,” said senior cheerleader Alex Shaw.
From pre-K students dressing up to seniors leading cheers in the student section, the game has drawn the entire school community together like no other event.
“The Rice game was a big part of the reason why I was excited to join the football team my senior year,” said senior kicker Harris Kirmani.
Despite the location change, the spirit of the game lived on through the people and community that the past 45 years at Rice had built. The Falcons dominated the St. John’s Mavericks with a 38-14 victory.
“As a lifer at Kinkaid, the rivalry game at Rice was always a cherished tradition for my family and me…I am grateful that the rivalry will continue just as strong, but in new homes,” said senior cheerleader Lucy Dannenbaum.
