College football brings communities together for four quarters in the rain, sunshine or snow. It’s the history and tradition, the love of the game and, most importantly, the rivalries that make it special. These rivalries unite entire communities, binding them together through something bigger than just a game.
This weekend on the Palouse, an in-state rivalry will be renewed and a new piece of history will be carved into the great competition between the Idaho Vandals and Idaho State Bengals. The Potato State Trophy will be up for grabs Saturday afternoon.
In a rivalry that dates back to 1916, when the Vandals and Bengals square off, the game means more than a playoff seed or a win in the record book. It’s a chance to represent the state of Idaho.
But a rivalry isn’t complete without a trophy and the Potato State Trophy is the newest addition to the history of famous trophies in this storied rivalry.
The trophy was created after the 2023 Battle of the Domes competition concluded. The rivalry needed a trophy, and the Idaho athletic department, specifically Jerek Wolcott, assistant athletic director for brand engagement and digital strategy and former head coach Jason Eck, knew it. Wolcott, got to work and put the trophy together.
“We wanted something to reflect the great industry of potatoes and agriculture in our state, but have fun with it,” Wolcott said.
With help from the College of Natural Resources, alumnus Nick Davis and others, Wolcott began the process. After weeks of carving, sanding and much more behind-the-scenes work, the trophy came together. With Idaho State’s approval, it became the official rivalry trophy.
“It took a few weeks. I had to figure out what I was doing,” Wolcott said. “I used an angle grinder for most of it, but I ordered some tools. I think I might have broken one of my fingers. After I messed around with it for a little bit, I got an idea of what it was going to be.”
What started as an idea to help with the branding and marketing of the university has turned into a trophy that represents much more than just a football game. It represents the state of Idaho and the roots that make Idaho special.
Rivalries are a sacred tradition in college sports, and even though it may not be a big-time SEC or Big Ten rivalry, this rivalry means a lot to a lot of people. Wolcott and everyone involved hope the trophy and the rivalry will continue for years to come.
“I’d love the trophy to just stick around. It’s not about me at all. I want it to be fun and hopefully something our fans can have fun with,” Wolcott said. “Our fans have embraced it. I think a lot of college football fans have embraced it. We want to just have fun with what we’re doing and hopefully bring a little more meaning to the game. I hope it stays one-sided and continues to come back every year.”