This basically already happened to UK 100 years ago

Posted on: October 23, 2017 at 14:52:46 CT

Two programs have an old rivalry filled with hatred. One party got left behind, became bitter and started posturing, their conference fell apart, and they became irrelevant. 100 years later the program that was still in a major conference saw fit to engage their forgotten former rival in an exhibition game.

http://www.bigbluehistory.net/bb/rivalTransylvania.html

The series between Kentucky and Transylvania…is the oldest and most embittered rivalry the school has ever had. Transylvania is an ancient rival dating back to times prior to the creation of the sport of basketball itself. Given the proximity, close ties and shared heritage, there was always a natural connection and competition between the two schools. Football came first and a fierce rivalry was established. Once the sport of basketball took root in the early 1900s, it too was quickly added to the existing football, baseball and even debating rivalries. The depth of distrust between the two at times threatened their ability to play athletics at all. This eventually led to an athletic schism between the schools, resulting in a discontinuation of competition in both basketball and football.

In December 1911 the Transylvania faculty resolved to break athletic relations with State University (UK). According to an article at the time: "It was stated on good authority at Transylvania that the reason for this action was that the Faculty felt that at the present time, the feeling which exists between the two universities was not what it should be, and that in the near future when the hard feeling has died out, it is their plan to renew the relationship and contests will go on the same as before this feeling was aroused."

Transylvania also had a good year, but the lack of a head-to-head matchup with State University (UK) made it difficult to claim glory. Noted The Transylvanian late in the season:
“The Varsity team is very strong this season, as predicted. There can be no definite decision, however, as our Faculty has recently seen fit to abolish athletic relations with the State University and a match between these two claimants will be impossible. It is hoped that this abolition will be repealed, because "State" is always a drawing card, and then -- "we jest naturally likes to lick 'em."

The Kentucky viewpoint was much harsher towards Transylvania, and showed signs that the school was ready for bigger and better things. As noted in the 1912 review of the season: “Next comes the saddest tale of all. Our old friends (?) Transylvania refused to submit to a good, sound thrashing, and began doing the "baby act" and canceled or rather refused to play the games scheduled with us. They never did give any real reasons for their actions, but to an onlooker it seems that they simply didn't want to get beat, and took the only available course to prevent it. Suffice it to say we survived.”

Later that spring Kentucky confirmed that they indeed had moved on when they announced their withdrawal from the K.I.A.A. conference for good, in favor of strengthening ties to the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association. It was noted in the Lexington Leader in 1912 that "State has been contemplating this step for some time. As the Southern field is much the larger of the two State has therefore decided to abandon the minor territory."

Rumors were percolating that the K.I.A.A. was preparing to enforce a one-year ban against Kentucky anyway. As it turned out, the rumors proved accurate as the K.I.A.A. did go ahead and forbid any of its members from playing Kentucky. Eventually every member of the K.I.A.A. did indeed renew athletic relations with the University of Kentucky; every member, that is, except their ancient rival and "sister school" Transylvania.