TACOMA, Wash. - Crosstown rivals Pacific Lutheran University and the University of Puget Sound will meet for the 97th time on the gridiron on Saturday and for the first time will be competing for ownership of The Trophy— a new traveling prize for the next chapter of the historic rivalry. 
 
The Trophy, standing 17 inches tall, features a steel crafted replica of Mount Rainier, a prominent landmark in the city that can be seen from both campuses. In the foreground is several landmarks from the Tacoma skyline, including the Tacoma Dome and the East 21st Street Bridge. 

 
The skyline and Mount Rainier are mounted on a base made out of old growth Douglas fir wood, a tree synonymous with the region and the Pacific Northwest. The base has nearly 100 tree rings, representing the longstanding rivalry between the two schools that began nearly 100 years ago.
 
"I think The Trophy is awesome. It highlights the landmarks that are central to PLU and UPS and represents a new chapter while maintaining the uniqueness and great history of the rivalry," said PLU Head Coach Brant McAdams. 
 
"Healthy rivalries are good for everyone involved. It elevates the atmosphere, competition, and loyalty. When you get to face an opponent in a competition that dates back to 1931, it pulls in Lutes Alumni from all generations. Graduates from the 1960s, might not know our whole schedule, but they know we're playing UPS each year, and they want to see PLU come out on top in that one."
 
The Trophy has 12 individual plates where the result of each game will be engraved. The base has space for 20 additional plaques and is expandable, allowing The Trophy to be in use for decades to come. 
 
The Trophy was designed and constructed by Half Iron Design and Hand Forge. 
 
The Lutes and Loggers have met 96 times since 1931, including every school year since 1983 with UPS holding a slim 49-42-5 advantage in the all-time series. 
 
The Trophy replaces the Totem Pole Trophy that the Lutes and Loggers competed for from 1947 until it was retired in 2019. 
 
"It's hard to be neutral when there's a trophy on the line. On Saturday, you're either cheering for the Lutes or you're cheering for the other team. We're looking forward to a great game." 
 
The Lutes and Loggers renew the rivalry for the 97th time on Saturday at Sparks Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.