Central/Western Weekend to most is focused on the rivalry between the two schools.

Attending the football game and cheering on each school is a time-honored and grand tradition.

However, some students see Central/Western Weekend as a mashup of volatile, drunk college students ready to prove whose school is superior.

Both CMU and WMU students should have fun this weekend, and even give the opposing team a “boo” or two. However, students ought not to get out of control and embarrass themselves or their school because the ramifications are amplified this weekend.

Central Michigan Life reported that more than 200 police officers will be patrolling Mount Pleasant this weekend, with an emphasis on alcohol infractions and drunken drivers. The Michigan State Police alone is bringing in 100 extra personnel. In addition, apartment complexes and residence halls are increasing surveillance and police presence this weekend to handle the crowds.

The police are joining in Mount Pleasant to maintain our safety and keep students in check.

Mount Pleasant cab companies are preparing for an onslaught of business. CMU and WMU students should keep extra cash on them to pay for a cheap cab ride. A cab costs less than $5 and drinking and driving fines can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Plus, drinking and driving saves more than the violator’s money – it saves innocent people from potentially getting hurt.

In addition, students who are not 21 should not drink at tailgate.

For any other tailgate, police usually fill Lot 63, giving out minor in possession citations, among others. This weekend police will inundate that lot, probably looking at underage drinkers as walking dollar signs.

Do yourself a favor and leave the beer bong at home if you’re not 21.

Finally, we should not let the rivalry leave the stadium. Yes, this game gives both teams the opportunity to place in the Mid-American Conference Championship, but it shouldn’t create tension between students.

Instead of instigating a brawl or a beer can “dodge ball” game, students should focus their energy on cheering for their team. The Central/Western game is really what this whole weekend focuses on, and that should always be the central part of the weekend.

Paint faces, wave pom-poms and memorize the CMU Fight Song.

Let’s not let Central/Western Weekend get out of hand and become more than a friendly rivalry between students.

E-mail the author: defaultuser