Since the dawn of time, sparks of competitiveness between two teams would ignite rivalries. There are Giants vs. Cowboys, Yankees vs. Red Sox, and hundreds of others throughout the world. But does Manchester have its own rivaling school when it comes to sports?

In the past, Donovan Catholic was considered Manchester’s football rival. In Manchester history, on the Friday before Thanksgiving, Manchester football would play Donovan and the winning team would hold a trophy until the next Thanksgiving. 

“Over our history I would say that Donovan Catholic was our biggest football rival and that led into many other sports,” said MTHS Athletic Director Mr. Lister. 

This sense of competition pathed the way for the rivalry to grow and extend to other sports throughout the school, however, since the Thanksgiving games ended and Donovan football is no longer in our division, is the rivalry still alive?

In the 2022 football season, Jackson Liberty was a notable competitor.

“We [Manchester] are always in the same division as them [Jackson Liberty] for most sports. For football, we always play very close games,” said Head Football Coach Mr. Farrell.

With the upcoming 2023 football season, even though Manchester will be in a different division, they will still go head-to-head with schools such as Jackson Liberty. Thus continuing the anticipation, close scoring games, and back and forth of victories. 

Although football has Jackson Liberty, the rivalry and competitive tension do not appear to follow suit in the other sports at MTHS.

“Here at Manchester, no schools fit all the criteria and most don’t even fit a few, “ said Mr. Salvemini, the Boys Assistant Varsity Coach, Head Coach for Girls Winter Track, and Assistant Girls Spring Track Coach.

Many factors are taken into consideration within a sport and its rivaling opponent.

“Coaching here in different sports for a few years now, I believe that depending on the sport and gender, that will determine who you believe is your rival,” said Salvemini.

Different teams at Manchester have different players, strengths, and challenges, which will ultimately match them up with their own rival school.

The importance of it all is not only bragging rights but the feeling of pride and a boost in morale as both teams give it their all.

“That is the beautiful thing about a rivalry, coaches don’t need to prepare players,” Salvemini said. “Everyone is well aware of how important the games is and that it will take their best efforts.”