The history and progression of rivalry between Catlin and OES

Erin Chow ‘25

Photo courtesy of Abby Greenspan ‘25.

After an exciting round of homecoming wins from both the men’s soccer team and women’s soccer team, the crowd runs onto the soccer field chanting, “Eagles eat what?” “Eagles eat VARKS!” Fueled by the passionate rivalry between Catlin Gabel School and Oregon Episcopal School (OES), the Catlin Eagles left the OES Aardvarks with five straight losses. 

School rivalries are quite common in high school and even in college. This spirit “can bring out the best in students, and those special events are the contests where amateur athletics thrive.” As a result, rivalries can spark competitiveness among athletes, motivating students from both schools to perform at their best.

Dating back for decades, Catlin and OES have always had a rivalry during sports events including soccer, volleyball, and basketball. Even now, students pack the gym stands and line the soccer fields for big games against OES, hoping for a win.

Arah Erickson, a 1987 graduate, described the Catlin vs. OES rivalry during her high school experience as “a really big rivalry but friendly.” Erickson often attended the soccer and basketball games against OES, surrounded by friends from both schools. 

At the time, Erickson acknowledged that “people did have a lot of spirit, but it was kind of more lowkey - no pom poms and signs.” However, she added that during one game, the boys dressed up as cheerleaders, making the game more fun and casual. 

As a parent now attending these sporting events to watch her daughters, Erickson emphasized how the games against OES are the “ones that matter… everybody cares.” 

Athletic Director and Catlin class of 2001 alumn Kate Williams, shared a similar story. However, Williams noted that the Catlin and OES work relationship between athletic departments is very strong. 

“I love that it [the rivalry] is still in full force. It was definitely a huge part of the athletic culture when I was a student here,” said Williams. As a multi-sport athlete, Williams acknowledges how the environment at games against OES always emitted high energy and often attracted a variety of spectators from parents and students to administration. 

Williams also shared how “there used to be more pranks between the two schools,” (something she would not condone now). Specifically, she highlighted an instance where the Catlin volleyball team put brooms into the OES field after they had “swept” them. OES would prank them back, writing on Catlin’s track “I would rather be an aardvark than a tree from Catlin Gabel.” 

Now, Williams emphasizes the importance of sportsmanship and player conduct. “You can have rivalries but the environment or the climate is not the same,” she adds. Williams shares that although the energy is still the same, especially during homecoming, some of the behaviors and dynamics have changed. 

Williams notices that soccer still has a strong rivalry against OES; however, basketball and volleyball seem to have created new rivalries with other schools including Horizon Christian and Valley Catholic.

Recent alumnus and former varsity volleyball player, Eve, class of 2013, recalls the OES games as the most competitive and had a lot of “hype.” Additionally, Eve shares that as an athlete during those games, “there was a mixture of nerves and excitement,” because of the drive to win. Oftentimes, she feels so much pressure is put on big games against OES, which can create this dynamic filled with conflicting emotions which can be noticed today as well. 

Current senior Henry Beckerman has also noticed how the environment during big games can feel like a combination of nerves and excitement. Beckerman has regularly attended Catlin’s sports games, especially Homecoming and Sea of Blue, a basketball game normally against OES, cheering on his friends and other members of the Catlin sports teams.

Beckerman feels as though the rivalry between Catlin and OES is thought of as friendly, however, it can sometimes get out of hand. After winning the girl’s homecoming soccer game at OES this year, Beckerman remembers storming the field with other spectators holding the beloved Catlin flag. “All the girls on the OES soccer team ran up to me…they started screaming at me and yelling at me to leave.” 

This personal experience for Beckerman showcased an example of how a rivalry could become disrespectful, describing this moment as “heated.” However, Catlin’s emphasis on friendly matches has allowed students to maintain this competitive rivalry with OES while creating a positive environment.  

Competition can bring hype and excitement to games, but can also become toxic so it's important to understand the boundaries of a good-spirited rivalry. As the Catlin and OES rivalry continues to grow and evolve, it's important to recognize how a friendly rivalry can be healthy as long as sportsmanship is honored. 

Disclaimer Note: I am referring to Eve by her first name to respect her personal preference.