Franklin Pierce, Southern New Hampshire University to Vie For "101'' Challenge Trophy
Competition Commemorates Long-Standing Rivalry

(Oct. 11, 2000) - The Bedford Inn sitting majestically on a knoll. A strip of shops and restaurants just down the road. The long stretch of fields through Amherst. The railroad crossing right after the Dunkin' Donuts in Milford. And, of course, the long and sometimes tricky journey up and down Temple Mountain.

These are the landmarks along Route 101 that any coach, student-athlete, parent or fan who has shared in the rivalry between New Hampshire College and Franklin Pierce University
surely knows.

Warren Lewis streaking down the field. Ewa Bergsten scoring from an impossible angle. Rob Paternostro stealing the ball and sinking a 3-pointer to win the game at the buzzer.

These are memories anyone involved in this not so old, but passionate rivalry can share.

They have been competing against each other since 1966, forging a bond that goes beyond the playing fields. They have traveled the same path, often together. From the NAIA to the NCAA. From the Mayflower Conference to the New England Collegiate Conference to the Northeast-10 Conference.

The Penmen of New Hampshire College and the Ravens of Franklin Pierce University
have been more than rivals, more than two schools that play until the clock has expired and then go their separate ways. They have shared the mission of making a name for small college athletics in New Hampshire, building reputations of national renown, and often playing the foil to each other.

And, now, as they each begin their first year in the NE-10, there is little doubt that the bond between the schools will remain as strong as ever.

From the strength of that relationship springs the ''101'' Challenge Trophy.

So, why name a competition after a road? Why not?

If there is one symbol of this great rivalry beyond what goes on between the lines, it is that 60-mile commute that is covered mainly on Route 101. Anyone who has tried to pass over Temple Mountain in the middle of a snowstorm will attest to that.

The ''101'' Challenge Trophy will be an annual competition that matches the two schools against each other in all NE-10 sports. The format is simple: the school that wins the most head-to-head meetings throughout the year will possess the granite and wood trophy for one year.

"This award formalizes a long and outstanding rivalry, and I look forward to watching the student-athletes from both institutions compete for what will no doubt be a treasured piece of hardware year in and year out," New Hampshire College Athletic Director Chip Polak said.

``This is an exciting and healthy competition that we are pleased to take part in,'' FP
Athletic Director Bruce Kirsh said. ``The long-term relationship with New Hampshire College is one of mutual respect. The staff, the student-athletes and I look forward to the competition.''

For the 2000-2001 season, the sports that will count toward deciding the ''101'' Challenge Trophy are volleyball, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's basketball, baseball, softball and men's lacrosse. With a win over the Penmen in volleyball three weeks, the Ravens currently have a 1-0 advantage in this year's competition.

The two schools meet for a soccer double-header Saturday afternoon in Rindge. Game times are 1 o'clock for the women and 3 o'clock for the men. The trophy will be unveiled during halftime of the women's match.

The inscription on the top of the reads: ``Dedicated to the Spirit of Sportsmanship and Competition.''

Jay Blanchard of Keene Monument Co. of Keene, N.H. designed the granite replica of a Route 101 sign; Gordon Daniels of RJ Sports of Gilsum, N.H. designed the base.

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