description Paul Bunyan's Axe Overview
The Paul Bunyan’s Axe is a traditional trophy presented to the victor of the annual football game between the University of Wisconsin Badgers and the Minnesota Golden Gophers. This rivalry, dating back to 1890, represents one of college football's most intense contests. The axe symbolizes the longstanding competition between the two Midwestern universities and is awarded to athletic teams within those institutions.
help Paul Bunyan's Axe FAQ
Which college football teams compete for Paul Bunyan's Axe?
The trophy is awarded to the winner of the annual border rivalry between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Wisconsin Badgers. It is one of the most played rivalries in college football, with the series dating back to 1890.
When was Paul Bunyan's Axe introduced as the rivalry trophy?
The current Paul Bunyan's Axe was introduced in 1948 to replace the previously contested 'Slab of Bacon' trophy. It was created by the National W Club, Wisconsin's letterwinner organization, to serve as a more durable traveling trophy.
Why is the trophy a giant axe?
The axe is a direct nod to the mythical lumberjack Paul Bunyan, who is a cultural icon of the Upper Midwest and heavily associated with both Minnesota and Wisconsin folklore. The physical trophy is a six-foot-long broadaxe that features the scores of the games engraved directly into the handle.
What happened to the previous 'Slab of Bacon' trophy?
The Slab of Bacon was the original trophy for this rivalry, but it went missing in the 1940s and was replaced by the Axe in 1948. It was famously rediscovered decades later in a storage room at Wisconsin in the 1990s.
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