While the football field rivalry between TCU and SMU dates back to the schools’ first meeting in 1915 in Fort Worth, chances are the off-field rivalry began around the same time. Recent incidents on both campuses prompted university officials from each school to release a letter this week asking students to enjoy the rivalry in a civil manner.

It makes sense that the student bodies of the two main private universities in the area should have a general dislike for one another, especially during the week leading up to the Battle for the Iron Skillet. But when that dislike escalates like it has in recent years, preventative measures need to be taken.

Silly pranks detract from the true meaning of the rivalry. The two institutions are the most distinct in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Each is fortunate to have excellent academics and athletics. The campuses are beautiful and the people are friendly. Saturday’s game is a time for students, staff, alumni and fans from each campus to celebrate what each school has and to enjoy a football game. The letter from the chancellor and SMU’s president is nothing more than a friendly reminder of that.

So keep your emotions in check Saturday. Sportsmanship, both on and off the field, is vital in maintaining the strong relationship that exists between the two universities.

News editor Michael Carroll for the editorial board.