On Friday night BYU takes on Utah State in their 90th meeting. BYU leads the series ,49-37-3, that began in 1922. There was a special aspect added to the rivalry in 1948 when “Blue Key” fraternity representatives would award the winning team a Wagon Wheel.
The Old Wagon Wheel’s significance stems from the Mormon pioneers who crossed North America in search of a new home. On the outside ring of the wheel are the results of the games that were played. The Aggies dominated the rivaly in the beginning all the way into the 60s. The tables started to turn in the 70s, when BYU’s football program started to become more of a national power. Since 1975 Utah State has only beaten BYU 7 times.
Throughout the years the Old Wagon Wheel has been stolen numerous times. It takes less than two hours to travel between the two schools , which reside in Provo and Logan, Utah and makes it easy for a few students to take a ride to try and steal it from their in state rivals. Unfortunelty this tradition got a little out of hand when people who weren’t affiliated with either school started stealing it. The Wheel has sometimes gone missing for years.
This isn’t the only trophy BYU and Utah State fight for. Both programs have ties to the “Beehive Boot” Trophy, which is awarded yearly to the best football team in Utah. Like most rivalry trophies the Old Wagon Wheel adds a little spice to just these two programs. Lets see who can claim the wheel on Friday.