Submitted Photo This trophy is awarded annually to the winner of the Dunkirk vs. Fredonia varsity football game.
The ancient Dunkirk-Fredonia football rivalry has a new tradition: a trophy for the winner.
The Central Connection Mayor’s Cup will be awarded to the winner of Friday’s game in Fredonia. This is the brainchild of Fredonia Mayor Michael Ferguson.
“I worked with Southpaw Signs and Stripes, and they’re going to donate it.” he said. “It’s a five-tiered black marble trophy with a bronze soccer ball on top.”
Mr. Ferguson said: “Some of the rivalries in the past have been perceived as negative.” But he wants to add a positive, fun element to it.
“We hope this trophy will be talked about between both schools for many years to come.” he said. A plaque is engraved on the trophy with the score and winner of each match.
Ferguson’s concept is a college football rivalry between neighboring schools where the winner gets an item. A good example from upstate New York is the Cortaca Jug, which is awarded to the winner of the annual SUNY Cortland-Ithaca College football game.
The name of the Dunkirk-Fredonia trophy comes from the Central Connection initiative that has been promoted by some Dunkirk and Fredonia officials in recent years. We aim to highlight and strengthen ties between our communities and with the State University of New York at Fredonia.
Ferguson said he hopes that offering a trophy to the winner of the football game will start a trend in which winners of Dunkirk vs. Fredonia contests in other sports are recognized.
For now, Ferguson is really getting into the spirit of Dunkirk vs. Fredonia football. He was trying to finalize a fun bet with Dunkirk Mayor Kate Udowias, just as the mayors of Buffalo and Kansas City were betting on chicken wings and barbecue when the Bills and Chiefs would meet in the playoffs. There is.
Coach Ferguson also plans to host a pizza party for the winning team at a local facility.
“I hope people come out and support your team.” he said. “No matter who you are rooting for, please wear maroon, orange and black.”
