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Jul. 25—When the new Potato State Trophy was unveiled on Monday during the Big Sky media day, it created a stir.
The 19.4 pounds of Douglas Fir wood, in the shape of a potato, resting on a wooden base with a metal cutout shaped as the state of Idaho, will now be awarded to the winner of the Idaho/Idaho State football game.
The trophy was created when the title sponsor of the “Battle of the Domes” backed out and did not allow use of the trophy, forcing the change. A variation of the trophy with a Mr. Potato Head on the base of the previous stand was used last year, but a more permanent feature was needed.
Insert the giant spud.
Some would say playing for a giant potato trophy is a little silly. However, I have been covering a yearly basketball contest that gives the winner a golden toilet (aka the rivalry between the Lewiston and Clarkston high schools), so who am I to judge?
In reality, the rivalry itself is what matters, and there are many times when a trophy that does not take itself seriously can help spark interest.
There are several examples throughout the history of college football where a rivalry has gone more than 100 years and they battle over something you would not expect.
One of the longest rivalries, meeting for the 103rd time on Sept. 21, is between Texas Christian University and Southern Methodist University.
Since 1946, the two teams have battled for a large iron skillet. Not a skillet on top of a mantle or bronzed or unique in any way. Just a standard iron skillet. Over the long rivalry there have only been two iterations of the “trophy.” In 1993 the original skillet was lost and had to be replaced.
The origin of the skillet is greatly debated. TCU historians say that the SMU student council proposed the idea and the Horned Frogs accepted. The Mustangs’ version of history is a lot more entertaining.
Their…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/randy-isbelle-commentary-potato-state-121600238.html
Author : Lewiston Tribune, Idaho
Publish date : 2024-07-25 12:16:00
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