Jul 22, 2024Idaho gridiron rivals to compete for new Potato State Trophy
The winner of the annual football game between the University of Idaho and Idaho State University will now have a one-of-a-kind potato prize to put in the trophy case.
The Potato State Trophy, carved by a University of Idaho athletic department staff member out of a large piece of North Idaho Douglas fir, will be presented to the winner of the Nov. 23 game. The traveling rivalry trophy replaces the Battle of the Domes Trophy, discontinued before the 2023 season after the trophy sponsor adjusted its sponsorship with both institutions.
The Potato State Trophy, which weighs 19.4 pounds, includes a metal cutout in the shape of the state of Idaho with an etching of the athletic logos of the schools over their geographic location. The cutout, created and donated by longtime Vandal booster Nick Davis, is mounted on the lefthand side of the base.
“Potatoes are synonymous with Idaho, and the University of Idaho is a big part of the potato industry,” Idaho head coach Jason Eck said in a news release from the school. “We are excited to compete for the Potato State Trophy.”
Potatoes are a $4 billion industry in Idaho, supporting more than 30,000 jobs.
“Having grown up in Idaho, I understand the great privilege it is to coach at one of these prestigious universities and am excited to be part of the new chapter of our rivalry with the Vandals,” Idaho State head coach Cody Hawkins said.
Idaho leads the rivalry 32-13 all time and won last year’s game 63-21.
