To a casual observer, the couple doesn’t seem too odd.
Even a private investigator, albeit a rather ignorant one, would be
hard-pressed to find many educational differences.
Both graduated in the early ’80s, one with a degree in
business, the other with a double major in English and economics.
Both went to schools in Los Angeles.
And that’s the problem. Brad and Robin McMurray, who
celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary earlier this year, are
stuck in the middle of the UCLA-USC rivalry.
Robin went to UCLA, while Brad went to USC. Making matters
worse, he was also voted Most Inspirational Member of the marching
band.
It is a mixed marriage between a Trojan and a Bruin. Two
enemies, two rivals ““ but not in the McMurray household.
“Before we had kids, we went to all the (rivalry)
games,” Robin said. “Whoever had the home game got
tickets in their section, but we’d go to the game wearing our
school colors. I’d be in the ‘SC section wearing blue
and gold. … Sometimes it got ugly.”
They have kids now, and have also discovered the miracle of
television. With the lack of cheers and jeers from other fans,
they’ve created their own traditions for the annual game.
“We have a bet. The team that loses the game, that person
has to buy a piece of school clothing for the winner,” Robin
said. “Also, we go around wearing our school clothing and
holding hands. We get asked about it, and it leads to some strange
moments at supermarket checkouts and elsewhere.”
Since the family moved to Oregon, there have been fewer awkward
supermarket moments.
Their children, Colleen, Connor and Calvin, have grown up
knowing both sides of the rivalry. Each has come to understand that
rooting for one school or the other means a little special
attention from mom or dad.
“He has brainwashed my children. They’re all big
Reggie Bush fans,” Robin said.
But Brad, of course, disagrees.
“The kids vacillate back and forth, but the mom gives a
better dig. If they start rooting for UCLA, I ignore them. But
(Robin) reacts if they root for USC,” he said.
The children could not be reached for comment.
As rivalry week kicks into full gear in Southern California, it
also begins to heat up in Oregon.
Old agreements are nullified (“In every game except for
this one, we root for each team,” Robin said); tears are shed
(“There is significant pouting after the game,” Brad
said); and the normally amicable relationship between schools in
the household turns fierce. Relatively fierce. As fierce as it
can.
“We still speak to each other and are very
considerate,” Robin said.
Both members of the couple are quick to put the game in
perspective, at least with their relationship. “It’s
just a football game,” Brad said.
Robin responded in kind. “He loves me more than he loves
football.”
The McMurrays might not have any exciting stories about how the
battle for the victory bell intruded on romantic weekends or
created a family stir. However, the couple does represent a
seemingly odd pairing that loves the rivalry but doesn’t let
it affect what social circles they run in.
“Do mixed marriages work? We’ve been married for 20
years,” Robin said.