An Old Rivalry Reborn
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The college football season is drawing near. As it does, Fraters are planning trips to their rivals meeting up with Tekes to enjoy the game. Along these same lines, every fall the Wisconsin Badgers and the Minnesota Golden Gophers play for Paul Bunyans Axe. A college football rivalry game that has been going on since 1948, the giant six foot (6') axe is brought to the sideline before the game and the winner carries the axe back to their trophy room year after year. The Lambda Chapter (Univ. of Wisconsin) and Theta Chapter (Univ. of Minnesota) had their own tradition associated with the college football rivalry. Members from the visiting schools chapter would drive the four hours to the others campus for the tailgate, game, and to meet some new Fraters. After the game ended, the winning side would return to their campus with the custom-made axe to display for the year. They wait until the next year for the same fellowship and fun.
With Lambda on the rise in Madison and with Theta’s expansion effort this fall, the time is right to bring back the tradition. One side of the axe is painted Wisconsin red and white, while the other side is painted Minnesota maroon and gold. Fraters
Chris Suskovich and
Aaron Pattison are heading up the Theta Expansion and think this tradition is a great idea.
“We think this could really help build a strong relationship between two chapters that brothers can look forward to every year.” Pattison said. “It may start with football, but hopefully over time the rivalry will grow to include chapter size or philanthropic dollars donated.”
The Axe heads to Minneapolis this fall. For more on the expansion effort and how you can help, contact us.
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