Wauwatosa East boys basketball team plays three games this week, two against "rivals."
The Red Raiders (6-0, 11-0) travel to Brookfield Central tonight (4-1, 8-3) to face the Lancers, who next to Marquette, are Tosa East's biggest Greater Metro Conference rival. When Tosa East plays the Hilltoppers, it is no secret that there is not a lot of love between the teams (in most sports), despite the politically correct quotes the coaches give out.
But when Brookfield Central and Tosa East meet, there is a rivalry that drips with respect.
"Sure they (Red Raiders) are one of our rivals," said Central coach Mark Adams, who also deals with crosstown rival Brookfield East, "but it is a 'good' rivalry, a 'favorable' one. There is a respect we have for each other."
Usually when you look at the GMC standings every year, it's Tosa East, Marquette and the Lancers battling for the top spot. Thus the establishment of a rivalry with those three teams, more so than with some of the others in the conference.
"Traditionally Brookfield Central always stood out," Tosa East coach Tim Arndorfer said. "I enjoy the excitement of going to Central and them coming here. When you play them the first time, you know you will see them again. Beyond Marquette, Brookfield Central has the competitive history in this conference, always pushing for the top. You want to get the upper hand on your rival. There is great talent coming out of both schools and it (the rivalry) is expanding to other sports."
After battling with George Haas for years, the veteran Adams will be matching wits with Arndorfer this week, something Arndorfer is looking forward to.
"On a personal level, to coach against someone like Mark Adams, well I'm looking forward to that. I hope to run a quality program like Mark does. They do it the right way."
After facing Central Tuesday and Hamilton Friday, the annual battle of Tosa takes place this year at East on Saturday. Once again, like it or not, this is a game that means more to West than East, but means the most to the city.
Former coaches Haas and West's Brian Rusk started the rivalry again a few years back and it is a fun night and the gym will be packed Saturday night and it doesn't matter that East is on top of the GMC and West is near the bottom of the Woodland Conference North.
It will be West first-year coach Mike Landisch, a coach with ties with both schools, first time on the sidelines running the show for the Trojans.
This is a different rivalry than the Brookfield Central one, but it is a game that should always be played.
Agree with me or not, don't be afraid to comment.
And remember, always be a hit and have a ball.
