UA News

The traveling trophy that goes to the winner of the annual UA-ASU football game is a coveted award with a mysterious past.

It is the oldest trophy of its kind in the country, and its name signifies how long it has been around.

The Territorial Championship Cup, the traveling trophy that goes to the winner of the annual football game between The University of Arizona and Arizona State University, will be up for grabs for the 82nd time this weekend.

The first time the two teams matched up was on Thanksgiving Day in 1899, 13 years before statehood and nearly three decades before games were played at Arizona Stadium. ASU then was Tempe Normal School and the UA team would not be the Wildcats until 1914.

Tempe Normal won the first game, 11-2, at Carrillo Gardens, a park near Downtown Tucson. The trophy, produced by silversmiths at the Boston-area tableware manufacturer Reed and Barton for $20, was inscribed with the words, "Arizona Foot Ball League 1899 Normal."

The victors took it with them to Tempe where it remained, essentially forgotten. Sometime in the early 1980s the cup was found in the basement of a church near the ASU campus and displayed with other Sun Devil memorabilia. In 2001 then-ASU President Lattie Coor suggested it be given to the winner of the annual UA-ASU contest.

Other awards have been handed out over the years, including the Governor's Trophy from 1953 to1979, "Victory," a sculpture by artist Ben Goo, from 1979 to1997, and the Saguaro Trophy, a bronze by artist Dora Perry in 1998 that now goes to the winning coach each year. "Victory" now goes to the game's Most Outstanding Player.

The NCAA has recognized the Territorial Cup as the oldest traditional rivalry trophy in college football. The Little Brown Jug given to the winner of the Michigan-Minnesota game, dates to 1909, and the Old Oaken Bucket between Indiana and Purdue was first given in 1925.

That's what makes the game so special, said Alumni Association President Chris Vlahos.

"Regardless of the record of each team or what may be at stake in the post-season, this is ‘the' game for all practical purposes, and it means so much to all involved at both schools," Vlahos said.

"For the student athletes, this is why they came to UA, to play in a game like this," he said. "For the university community, and particularly for alumni, it's all about pride. There is no doubt that this intense rivalry becomes more so at game time, and you can expect the unexpected on the field."

The rivalry this year features two senior quarterbacks looking to end their careers with a regular season win. Willie Tuitama has become one of the best signal callers in UA history, but is looking for redemption after having come out on the short end the last three years against ASU.

Sun Devil Rudy Carpenter hopes to salvage this season with a win that will make the Devils eligible for a post-season bowl appearance.

Kickoff for this year's "Duel in the Desert" is at 6 p.m. this Saturday in Arizona Stadium.