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A Most Peculiar Prize: The Story of College FootballS Platypus Trophy
Table of Contents
- 1. A Most Peculiar Prize: The Story of College FootballS Platypus Trophy
- 2. The Rivalry’s Quirky Icon
- 3. Born From a Brainstorm and a Bit of Luck
- 4. A Work in Progress, and a history of Disappearance
- 5. The Trophy’s Winding Road to Rediscovery
- 6. A Look at the Platypus Trophy’s Journey
- 7. Did You Know?
- 8. The enduring Appeal of College Football Rivalries
- 9. Frequently asked Questions About the Platypus Trophy
- 10. How did the initial act of “borrowing” a mascot contribute to the establishment of the Platypus Trophy tradition?
- 11. Exploring the Enigma: The Legacy and Lore of the Oregon-Oregon state Platypus Trophy
- 12. The Origins of a Peculiar Prize: A History of the Platypus Trophy
- 13. Evolution of the Trophy: From Taxidermy to Traveling Icon
- 14. The significance of the Rivalry: Beyond the Platypus
- 15. Notable Moments & Platypus “Kidnappings”
- 16. The Platypus in Pop Culture: A Symbol of Oregonian Identity
- 17. Protecting the legacy: Trophy Security & Future Traditions
Eugene, Oregon – As the University of Oregon Ducks prepare to face the Oregon State Beavers this Saturday, a unique element hangs over the 129th iteration of this historic football clash: a trophy as unusual as the rivalry itself. this isn’t a gleaming crystal football or a sponsored monument; it’s the Platypus Trophy, a surprisingly obscure symbol with a fascinatingly convoluted history.
The Rivalry‘s Quirky Icon
Despite being one of the oldest and most consistently played rivalries in the nation – ranking fifth all-time in FBS contests – the Oregon-Oregon State game lacked an official trophy for decades. In 2004, sportswriter John Canzano first publicly questioned the omission, inadvertently unearthing the tale of a handcrafted, and rather peculiar, award. The Platypus Trophy, while not officially sanctioned by either university, has quietly represented the pride of this contest for over six decades.
Born From a Brainstorm and a Bit of Luck
The origins of the trophy trace back to 1959,when University administrators from both institutions,reportedly fueled by conversation,sought a fitting symbol for their gridiron battle. After rejecting several concepts, they landed on a platypus – a creature decidedly out of place in the pacific Northwest, native only to Australia. The task of sculpting this improbable icon fell to Warren Spady, then an undergraduate art student at Oregon.He accepted the challenge,working meticulously with Oregon maple for a month to create the now-iconic award.
A Work in Progress, and a history of Disappearance
Spady’s creation wasn’t without its imperfections. Pressed for time before the 1959 game, he opted to depict the platypus emerging from mud, intending to refine the detail later. Oregon lost that initial contest, and Spady never got the chance to complete the sculpture’s feet. The trophy’s early years were marked by theft and temporary disappearances, with students from both universities absconding with the prize.It even spent time in the possession of the Oregon water polo team in the mid-1960s, a testament to its unpredictable journey.
The Trophy’s Winding Road to Rediscovery
After vanishing for years, the Platypus Trophy was rediscovered in 1986, concealed within the University of Oregon’s aquatic centre. Further relocation occurred before it was eventually located in a closet at McArthur Court. despite being presented for official recognition, the trophy was deemed too unconventional by athletic administrators. Ownership and custodianship were then transferred to the alumni associations of both schools, where it has remained ever since.
A Look at the Platypus Trophy’s Journey
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1959 | Trophy sculpted by Warren Spady; initially awarded to Oregon State. |
| 1960s | The trophy is stolen multiple times and ends up in the possession of the Oregon water polo team. |
| 1986 | Rediscovered in the University of Oregon aquatic center. |
| 2004 | Its history is brought to light by sportswriter John Canzano. |
| 2007 | Officially reinstated by the UO and OSU Alumni Associations. |
Today, the exchange remains a low-key affair. Raphe Beck of the University of Oregon Alumni Association and John Valva of oregon State simply meet somewhere between Corvallis and Eugene, often at a local bar, to hand over the trophy, secured in the backseat of a Subaru – a fittingly Oregonian detail.
With the Oregon-Oregon State game facing an uncertain future – the 2026 contest is currently unscheduled amidst conference realignment – the Platypus Trophy may become an even more poignant symbol of a cherished tradition. While not ostentatious, it encapsulates the unique spirit and history of this long-standing college football battle.
The enduring Appeal of College Football Rivalries
College football rivalries often transcend the sport itself, becoming deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of participating communities. These games represent more than just victories and losses; they embody tradition, pride, and a shared history. The Platypus Trophy exemplifies this, serving as a tangible link to the past and a source of ongoing passion for fans on both sides.NCAA.com provides additional insight into the power of college football rivalries.
Frequently asked Questions About the Platypus Trophy
What exactly is the Platypus Trophy?
The Platypus Trophy is a wooden sculpture of a platypus, created in 1959, representing the annual football rivalry between the University of Oregon and Oregon State University.
why a platypus?
The platypus was chosen as a symbol because it combines features of a duck and a beaver, reflecting the mascots of the two universities. It’s also a somewhat peculiar choice, aligning with the unique character of Oregon.
Is the Platypus trophy officially recognized by the universities?
No, despite its long history, the Platypus Trophy has never been officially recognized by either the University of Oregon or Oregon State University. Its custodianship resides with the alumni associations.
Where is the Platypus Trophy usually exchanged?
The trophy is typically exchanged in a casual setting – often a bar – somewhere between the campuses of the University of Oregon and Oregon State University.
What is the meaning of the ‘Water Polo Champion’ plaque on the trophy?
The Oregon water polo team temporarily “adopted” the trophy in the 1960s, using it as a prize for their victories against Oregon State, so the addition of the plaque.
What are your thoughts on the Platypus Trophy? Do you think unique rivalry symbols like this enhance the college football experiance?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
How did the initial act of “borrowing” a mascot contribute to the establishment of the Platypus Trophy tradition?
Exploring the Enigma: The Legacy and Lore of the Oregon-Oregon state Platypus Trophy
The Origins of a Peculiar Prize: A History of the Platypus Trophy
The Oregon-Oregon State rivalry, a cornerstone of Pacific Northwest college athletics, boasts one of the most unusual and captivating trophies in all of sports: the Platypus Trophy. But how did a semi-aquatic, egg-laying mammal from Australia become the symbol of dominance between two Oregon universities? The story, surprisingly, isn’t rooted in zoological fascination, but in a playful prank and a burgeoning athletic competition.
The trophy’s genesis dates back to 1967. Oregon State students “borrowed” the Oregon mascot, Puddles the Duck, and reportedly held him for ransom.Oregon retaliated by acquiring a platypus – a creature largely unknown to most students at the time – and presented it to Oregon State, declaring it a superior mascot. This act of playful one-upmanship solidified the platypus as the symbol of the rivalry, and the tradition of awarding a Platypus Trophy to the victor began. The original platypus, a taxidermied specimen, remains a cherished (and slightly bizarre) piece of university history.
Evolution of the Trophy: From Taxidermy to Traveling Icon
the initial Platypus Trophy was, as mentioned, a taxidermied platypus.Though, concerns about its preservation and potential damage led to the creation of subsequent versions.
* Early Replacements (1970s-1990s): Several fiberglass and ceramic platypuses served as replacements, frequently enough falling victim to celebratory (or disgruntled) fans. These iterations were frequently “kidnapped” or damaged, adding to the trophy’s legendary status.
* the Current Trophy (2000s – present): The current trophy, unveiled in 2006, is a bronze sculpture created by artist Rip Caswell. This more durable version features a platypus perched atop a wooden base engraved with the scores of past Oregon-Oregon State matchups. It’s a meaningful upgrade in both artistry and resilience, designed to withstand the passionate energy of the rivalry.
* Traveling Tradition: Unlike many trophies that remain permanently with the winning institution, the Platypus Trophy is a traveling trophy. The winning team gets to display it until the next contest, fostering a constant reminder of the rivalry and the pursuit of victory.
The significance of the Rivalry: Beyond the Platypus
The Oregon-Oregon State rivalry, often called the “Civil War” (though the name has been officially retired due to its historical connotations), is more than just a game; it’s a cultural event. It represents a clash of identities,geographic proximity,and decades of athletic competition.
* Football Focus: While the Platypus Trophy is awarded across all sports where the two universities compete, it’s the football game that receives the most attention. The annual matchup consistently draws large crowds and national media coverage.
* Academic Competition: The rivalry extends beyond athletics, encompassing academic pursuits and student life.Both universities strive for excellence in research, innovation, and student engagement.
* economic Impact: The Civil War games generate significant economic activity for the host city, boosting tourism and local businesses.
Notable Moments & Platypus “Kidnappings”
The history of the Platypus Trophy is punctuated by memorable moments and, inevitably, attempts to abscond with the prize.
* 1982 Incident: oregon State students reportedly painted the platypus orange and green (Oregon’s colors) before the trophy was returned.
* 1998 Disappearance: The ceramic platypus vanished from Oregon State’s campus just days before the football game, sparking a campus-wide search. It was eventually recovered, albeit slightly worse for wear.
* 2010 “Platypus Rescue”: Oregon students staged a mock “rescue” of the trophy from Oregon State, complete with a staged press conference and a ransom note.
* Social media Era: In recent years, social media has become a new battleground for rivalry antics, with both student bodies engaging in playful (and sometimes provocative) online campaigns surrounding the Platypus Trophy.
The Platypus in Pop Culture: A Symbol of Oregonian Identity
The Platypus Trophy has transcended its athletic origins to become a recognizable symbol of Oregonian identity.
* Merchandise: The platypus image appears on a wide range of merchandise,from t-shirts and hats to mugs and keychains.
* Local Art: Local artists have incorporated the platypus into their work, celebrating the trophy’s unique history and cultural significance.
* University Branding: Both Oregon and Oregon State subtly leverage the platypus imagery in their branding and marketing materials, acknowledging its role in the rivalry.
Protecting the legacy: Trophy Security & Future Traditions
Given the trophy’s history of “disappearances” and damage, security measures have been substantially enhanced in recent years. The bronze sculpture is now closely guarded when in the possession of either university. Though, the spirit of playful competition remains.
* Enhanced security Protocols: Universities employ security personnel and utilize tracking technology to safeguard the trophy.
* Student involvement: Student groups are frequently enough tasked with overseeing the trophy’s display and ensuring its safety.
* Evolving Traditions: While the core tradition of awarding the Platypus Trophy remains intact
