The Wagon Wheel Trophy: University of Akron and Kent State University

The Wagon Wheel is a trophy that is awarded to the victor of an annual college football game between the University of Akron and Kent State University. The trophy is a wheel from a horse-drawn carriage and is painted with the colors of each team (blue and gold). For a while, it was known as the Blue and Gold Wagon Wheel, but is now simply referred to as the Wagon Wheel.

The first competition for the Wagon Wheel began in 1946, when the two teams, separated by just ten miles, played. As of 2009, Akron has beat Kent State more, winning 29 of the 51 meetings with two ties. Yet, Kent State has a slight edge in games being played for the award with a record of 19-18-1. The single tie occurred in 1972.

There is some history behind why these two teams play for this award. John R. Buchtel wanted to start a college of his own around the year 1870. While traveling by wagon, one of his wheels came off and became buried. This occurred near the area where Kent State University resides today. He plodded on, finally deciding to construct Buchtel College further down the road. This college would eventually become the University of Akron.

About thirty years later, the wheel was discovered when digging for a pipeline. Dr. Raymond Manchester, the Kent State dean, became the owner of this wheel, and he suggested that this wheel be the trophy for the winner of the football game between these two schools.

In the early rivalry history, Kent State dominated. They won the first eight meetings. In 1954, the rivalry was thrown out due to a lack of competition. In 1972, however, the rivalry was reinstated and the competition for the wheel resumed. In 1992, Akron joined the Mid-American Conference. Because Akron was in this conference, the rivalry also became a conference game.

As of late, Akron has been the dominant team. They have won ten of the last ten of twelve meetings. Akron also has the longest winning streak of six games, stretching from 1997 to 2002. Kent State won in 2003 led by future NFL quarterback Joshua Cribbs. The following year, Kent State won behind future NFL quarterback Charlie Frye.

In 2009, the next scheduled meeting between Akron and Kent State will be a home game for Akron. The game will be held at Suma Field at InfoCision Stadium.

Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wagon_Wheel_(trophy)