Finally, we’ve reached a conclusion.

Sunday marked a historic day for Kansas and Missouri, as Missouri’s exit from the Big 12 ended a two-year period of uncertainty about its status in the conference. Unfortunately, it also put a lid on a rivalry between the universities that was deeply rooted in both cultures.

The rivalry between the two states primarily comes from the Civil War, when “Jayhawkers” from Kansas burned down plantations in Missouri, and Missouri’s Quantrill’s Raiders destroyed pro-Union Lawrence. The sports competition between the two universities is an extension of this emotionally-charged history.

When the Southeastern Conference accepted its application, Missouri showed the nation that this celebrated, century-old tradition comes second to its financial coffers. Missouri officials expressed interest in continuing the rivalry despite the move, but University Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little and basketball coach Bill Self both hinted that the rivalry might not continue if Missouri switched conferences. The rivalry was a staple of the Big 12, and it would lose too much value if showdown games cease to become conference match-ups.

It’s also a betrayal of traditions. Missouri was one of the pioneers of the Big 12. As a member of the Missouri Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Association with the University of Kansas, it was an integral institution in the history of the Big 12.

This follows the University’s administration’s commitment to the Big 12. At the same time, Missouri’s exit comes after interim commissioner Chuck Neinas strengthened the conference with the additions of Texas Christian University and West Virginia University. It shows that Missouri lost its commitment to the Big 12, and to all Big 12 institutions. A rivalry loses its meaning when one side diminishes its importance.

The addition of West Virginia won’t replace the strong traditions the University shared with Missouri, but we’re happy to invite a university that is fighting to join our conference by the next academic year.

Students ought to feel insulted by Missouri’s move. Attend the remaining Border Showdown games against Missouri in force, and show the new SEC addition that it’s making a mistake forsaking the rivalry. It would be great for the University to schedule games with Missouri in future years, but the term “border war” just won’t ring true anymore.

A rivalry full of vitriol is now more important than ever. Make full use of it while it lasts.

— Vikaas Shanker for the Kansan Editorial Board.