OGDEN, Utah - Idaho State University and Weber State University have partnered to bring back the Train Bell Trophy to the football series between the Bengals and the Wildcats.
"We're thrilled to reintroduce the Train Bell Trophy with Idaho State," said Tim Crompton, Director of Athletics at Weber State. "As charter members of the Big Sky Conference, Weber State and Idaho State have faced each other more than any other schools in their histories. It's only fitting to have a trophy highlighting this rivalry. This trophy holds a rich history, and bringing it back will forge a connection to our past while energizing the competition for both schools and their fans. We eagerly anticipate hosting Idaho State this week with the Train Bell Trophy at stake."
"Bringing the Train Bell Trophy out of retirement and re-establishing the tradition of the traveling prize is exciting!" remarked ISU Director of Athletics Pauline Thiros. "The Train Bell Trophy symbolizes the respected rivalry between Idaho State and Weber State. It is great to provide our players and fans with a tangible reminder of the competitive spirit that defines this match-up, and most fun might be the way our respective students get energized to participate and engage in these games. Traditions like this elevate both programs and the fan experience, home and away. We are coming to play and compete, and it is always inspiring to have one more incentive. I, along with The Jungle of ISU and all of our students, are excited and appreciative that the Wildcats have been excellent partners in bringing the Trainbell Trophy back for our fans and students."
When the Big Sky Conference was formed in 1963, Idaho State and Weber State made natural rivals, being not only close in proximity, but also connected by the railroad that ran through Pocatello and Ogden.
For the first six years of the rivalry, students from each school would take turns riding a "game train" to the other campus for the annual football game, a practice that died out when passenger rails left the area. This inspired the Weber State student government to secure an old locomotive train bell in 1964.
According to an article in the Weber State Signpost in October 1964, "Weber State secured an old locomotive bell made of solid brass which "rings like the dickens" to symbolize the growing tradition and rivalry between the two railroad towns, Ogden, Utah and Pocatello, Idaho."
Idaho State won the first iteration in 1964. The trophy then changed hands with a Wildcat victory in 1965.
From 1964 to 1973, the Bengals and Wildcats competed for the Train Bell Trophy a total of 10 times.
At the conclusion of the 2024 season, the trophy will be updated to include all game results from the series and the addition of team logos onto the wooden base.
The bell and wooden base weigh 86 pounds.
The two teams will meet in Ogden on Saturday, November 9, 2024, to continue the series. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. at Stewart Stadium.
Saturday's game will be the 65th meeting between the two schools as Division I members.
Facts
Name: Train Bell Trophy
Competitors: Idaho State and Weber State
Weight: 86.6 lbs
Inaugural seasons: 1964-1973 (re-instituted 2024)
