WESTERVILLE, Ohio -- This coming weekend, both Otterbein University and Capital University will renew a longstanding tradition in a battle for "The Oars." 

Paying homage to a once prominent tradition in the history of the Otterbein/Capital rivalry on the field, "The Oars" will give a new sense of achievement out of this matchup -- something physical for our student-athletes to play for in each game featuring one of the greatest rivalries in all of Division III athletics.

"This rivalry means a great deal to both institutions and we are excited to add another level of competition, so that it becomes even more meaningful," said Dawn Stewart, VP for Student Affairs and Director of Athletics. "Traditions in sports are unique and can help honor those who participate along the way. We are ready to further that atmosphere surrounding our series with Capital."

On Otterbein's end, this will also now become known as the Roush Auto Rivalry Showdown!

HISTORY AND BACKGROUND:
The tension between these two schools, separated by just 15 miles on opposite sides of town, began in the 1890's when Otterbein and Capital used to have canoe races from Alum Creek to Columbus. The tradition of the canoe races lived on for many years and was recognized as a pivotal moment in establishing the history behind this epic rivalry. 

On the field, Otterbein and Capital have squared off on the football gridiron consistently since the 1927 season. The team's first meeting was in 1894, but a 33-year break in meeting on the field ensued. The rivalry was then intensified on the basketball court with games between the schools commencing in 1908. 

In 1932, the presentation of a trophy to the football victors began. Members of both schools' student bodies collected donations for the purchase of the trophy. The trophy featured a shield formed by two paddles, representing the Alum Creek canoe races done by the schools. Intertwined with the paddles were two clasped hands representing friendship between the two schools. After a couple of years, the trophy was extended to the school who won the most points in sporting events at the end of the school year. Paying homage to the Alum Creek tradition, the trophy was affectionately named "The Oars."

Now playing for a trophy each year, the rivalry intensified with students and athletes alike coming together to find a way to disrupt the opponent. During this time period in the late 1940's, students resorted to a version of a "civil war" between the two schools as tension intensified. This intensity led to a peace agreement being signed in 1948 to stress the importance of improving relations between the schools. 

Unfortunately, the intense tension did not improve after this peace agreement was signed, leading to an unfortunate accident in Alum Creek that claimed the life of an Otterbein student. The rivalry has become more civil since that accident as many students, faculty, and administrators felt stunned and touched in some way that the rivalry had led to such a tragic incident. 

Fast-forward to today, the Otterbein vs. Capital rivalry remains fierce on the field and felt among both school's student bodies. The rivalry now centers more around the on-field play than anything else. 

With that in mind, both schools are re-awakening the tradition of "The Oars" … as there will once again be something physical to play for. As opposed to the previous edition of "The Oars" that awarded a single trophy to the school who won the most points each athletic calendar, the new set will feature an individual Otterbein-Capitan oar for each sport… distributed immediately after the game to the winning team. The oar will then feature the year in which each school won on their designated side.

NOTE: For sports that do not feature true "head-to-head" matchups, the team that finishes higher at their OAC Championships will earn possession of the oar.

Now with something to play for, both schools are hoping for a reinvigorated rivalry on the field. In addition to the rivalry on the field, the re-energized student bodies will be heavily involved in helping to make this a great year-to-year tradition moving forward. 

FOLLOW THE UPCOMING ACTION:
Saturday, October 30, 2021 will serve as the reawakening of this tradition. In conjunction with this rejuvenated tradition. Below is a schedule of events for all teams competing this weekend:

• Volleyball - Home at 11 a.m. (Rike Center) 
• Women's Soccer - Home at 2 p.m. (Memorial Stadium)
• M/W Cross Country – at OAC Championships (in Wilmington)
• Football - Away at 1:30 p.m. (Bernlohr Stadium)
• Men's Soccer - Away at 7 p.m. (Bernlohr Stadium)

 
Planning to attend any of the above games? Please visit the following ticketing links to purchase your tickets online for each contest: 

CAPITAL TICKETS
OTTERBEIN TICKETS

*Live stats and live video to all showdowns can be found online at athletics.capital.edu. 

MOVING FORWARD
After the fall calendar is complete, both the winter sports and the spring sports will carry on this tradition as well. Stay tuned to otterbeincardinals.com and all of our social media outlets for continued coverage.