If history has taught UNC and Duke students anything since the conception of the duo’s infamous rivalry, it might be to hate thy neighboring university.
But some have proven that love can exist even in a general atmosphere of hatred. Many inter-school friends, couples and siblings work through the bitter rivalry to salvage some sort of relationship.
Best friends forever
UNC junior Mike Santangelo and Duke junior Alex Klein’s friendship extends back to growing up together in Chicago. However, Santangelo has always loved UNC. Klein has always loved Duke.
Though the two friends are used to getting along despite their schools’ mutual dislike for each other, some wonder how their relationship exists in spite of the tension.
“It’s a great social lubricant to say, ‘This is my best friend who goes to UNC,’ when we’re hanging out at Duke,” Klein said. “People ask us if it’s been hard for our friendship, but it hasn’t except when UNC beats us in basketball.”
When the rivalry surfaces, it usually ends in a joke.
“If I ever send him an e-mail on a Friday night, he’ll respond saying something like, ‘that’s so Duke,’” Klein said.
Both believe their friendship can last through all the insults.