The Illini and Northwestern will be battling today for the ownership of the first Land of Lincoln Trophy. The two schools have been fighting for a rivalry trophy since 1945 with the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk Trophy. Last year was the final year for that award, and with Northwestern’s victory, they have claimed permenant ownership of the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk Trophy (even though the Illini have a better series record).

The new trophy idea was the result of an online vote by Northwestern and Illinois fans this past spring. “Land of Lincoln” edged three other finalists: President’s Trophy (named after the state’s four presidents), Popcorn Bowl (named after the Illinois state snack) and the Graham-Grange Fire Bell (named after two of the greatest players at each school).

Once the name was determined, an artist was chosen to design a stove-top hat, a signature apparel item of President Abraham Lincoln. The man who designed the trophy was Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Dick Locher, an editorial cartoonist for the Chicago Tribune as well as the artist who helped bring the Dick Tracy cartoon strip to life.

The trpohy resembles the hat worn by Lincoln while delivering the Gettysburg Address. It, along with a walnut base, weighs 28.5 pounds. The trophy will reside in the press box for the first half of Saturday’s game and then on the field for the second half.

When asked about the trophy, Coach Zook said “You want it every year, but you’re right. This is the first time that I have not seen it. I’ve seen pictures, but I have not seen it. I’ve seen pictures and heard talk about it. It’s shaped like Abraham Lincoln’s hat. No question, we’d like to bring it home.”

Illinois vs. Northwestern // Nov. 14 // 11am

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Let’s bring it home. Go Illini!

Northwestern, Illinois Set to Play for First Land of Lincoln Trophy – FightingIllini.com

Northwestern University and the University of Illinois have been fighting over the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk Trophy for the past 63 years from 1945-2008. The trophy was given to the winner of the football game between the two schools. The trophy, however, has been retired as of last year, and both schools are looking for a replacement.

Here’s where you come in… The schools have opened the selection to the public and are allowing us all to vote for what trophy we want.

Both institutions are asking their fans for feedback on the new trophy by participating in an online poll on each of the school’s athletics web sites. Four possible ideas, along with the opportunity to offer an alternative, will be provided until April 15. The schools expect to announce the new trophy around each of their spring football games on April 25.

I am not sure about those dates, because the site is still accepting votes… so while you can, get your vote in!

Here are the options:

• The Land of Lincoln Trophy – A replica of Lincoln’s stove pipe hat mounted on a piece of White Oak (Illinois’ state tree)
• President’s Trophy – Recognizing the four presidents associated with the state of Illinois – Lincoln, Grant, Reagan and Obama.
• The Popcorn Bowl – Named after the Illinois state snack.
• Graham-Grange Fire Bell – The original series trophy started in 1941 was a fire bell named after two of the greatest players at each school – Otto Graham of Northwestern and Red Grange of Illinois.

Feel free to write in… The Quad Trophy

I know I will.

Concept artwork thanks to Talking Illini