Illini, Northwestern seek new football rivalry trophy

The University of Illinois and Northwestern University are collaborating to establish a new trophy for the winner of the football game between the two schools.

The Sweet Sioux Tomahawk Trophy, which went to the winner of the Illinois-Northwestern football game from 1945-2008, was retired following the 2008 contest and both schools have agreed to play for a new trophy beginning in 2009.

"Northwestern and Illinois are looking at a very unique opportunity to establish a traditional series trophy that will last for generations," said Illinois Director of Athletics Ron Guenther.

"Out of tremendous respect for the Native American community, the two universities decided in November that we would institute a new rivalry trophy in 2009," said Jim Phillips, Northwestern's director of athletics and recreation. "To be certain, Illinois and Northwestern have a rich history and we want to identify a rivalry trophy that will last for generations. Because of the rivalry and what it means to so many people in the state, we wanted to let our fans have a say in helping us choose the next rivalry trophy."

Both institutions are asking fans for feedback on the new trophy by participating in an online poll on each of the school's athletics web sites.

Four possible ideas, along with the opportunity to offer an alternative, will be provided until April 15. The schools expect to announce the new trophy around each of their spring football games on April 25.

Four possible suggestions for the new series trophy include the following:

• The Land of Lincoln Trophy - A replica of Lincoln's stove-pipe hat mounted on a piece of White Oak (Illinois' state tree).

• President's Trophy - Recognizing the four presidents associated with the state of Illinois (Lincoln, Grant, Reagan and Obama).

• The Popcorn Bowl, named after the Illinois state snack.

• Graham-Grange Fire Bell - the original series trophy started in 1941 was a fire bell named after two of the greatest players at each school (Otto Graham of Northwestern and Red Grange of Illinois).

The website for fans to vote is: fightingillini.com/trophyvote/ and nusports.cstv.com/trophyvote/