Crimson and Gold Cup ends in 1st-ever tie

When Austin Starr kicked a field goal to capture the Old Oaken Bucket, the Hoosiers tied Purdue in points for the Crimson and Gold Cup, a head-to-head series that pits the two Indiana schools against one another in athletic competition. Six months and 17 contests later, the tie stands.

For the first time in its four years of existence, the Crimson and Gold Cup has ended in a 10-10 tie. The Cup first started as the Titan Series in 2001, but changed names for the ‘04-‘05 season. Since then, matchups between the Indiana rivals has one point added to it to the victors for each individual sport, creating added intensity to the competition.

IU held the traveling trophy for the first two years, before losing 10.5-9.5 last year to Purdue. Assistant Media Relations Director Matt Brady said because of the tie the trophy will remain on the West Lafayette campus for now.

Other than the football game, arguably the most unforgettable event took place in Assembly Hall on Feb. 19. The Hoosiers won the basketball game 77-68, earning a point in the Cup standings. The win marked the last game the men’s squad would play under Kelvin Sampson, as Dan Dakich took over as interim head coach for the rest of the season.

Although the Crimson and Gold Cup is not yet a household event in the minds of students at IU, the rivalry between the two schools will continue next year. The cup was created as a way to make the games more meaningful, but most students feel that the matchups are fun enough to watch without the .
“I think it interests people who wouldn’t be interested otherwise, like me,” said sophomore Kelsey Brizzolara, “It gives me a reason to go to football games because rivalry games mean more.”

The intensity of the rivalry is not considered a good thing for all students, however.
“I think that to discriminate against one team in particular detracts from the essence of sports as a mertiocracy of physical prowess,” said sophomore Yahya Chaudry, “This goes against the very ideal and purpose of competitive sports.”

Purdue and IU will begin the 2008-09 chase for the cup on Sept. 27 in a volleyball matchup at IU. Other matchups include the Old Oaken Bucket Game in West Lafayette on Nov. 22 and a men’s basketball game in February at Assembly Hall.