Capital University

   

THE BACKSTORY LEADING US TO WHERE WE ARE TODAY

On Saturday, October 30, 2021, both Capital University and Otterbein University reawakened a longstanding tradition -- "The Battle for the Oar," or more historically: "The Oars." 

Paying homage to a once prominent tradition in the history of the Capital vs. Otterbein rivalry on the field, "The Oars" will give a new sense of achievement out of this match-up -- something for our student-athletes to play for in each game featuring one of the greatest rivalries in all of Division III athletics.

"I think this is an awesome idea to bring back this tradition for both schools," said Capital President Dave Kaufman. "I'm proud that we can be good sports about this tradition. As a university, we partner with Otterbein on so many things, and I think having a rival like them on the field will help make us better moving forward. We are excited to rekindle this tradition and continue this long standing rivalry." 

WHY "THE OARS"
The tension between the two schools -- separated by just 15 miles -- started back in the 1890's when Capital and Otterbein used to have canoe races from Alum Creek to Columbus. The tradition of the canoe races lived on for many years and was recognized as a pivotal moment in establishing the history behind this epic rivalry. 

On the field, Capital and Otterbein have squared off on the gridiron consistently since the 1927 season. The team's first meeting was in 1894, but a 33-year break in meeting on the football field ensued. Off the football field, the rivalry was intensified on the basketball court with games between the two schools beginning in 1908. 

In 1932, the presentation of a trophy to the football victors began. Members of both schools' student bodies collected donations for the purchase of the trophy. The trophy featured a shield formed by two paddles, representing the Alum Creek canoe races done by the schools. Intertwined with the paddles were two clasped hands representing friendship between the two schools. After a couple of years, the trophy was extended to the school who won the most points in sporting events at the end of the school year. Paying homage to the Alum Creek tradition, the trophy was affectionately named "The Oars." 

Now playing for a trophy each year, the rivalry intensified with students and athletes alike coming together to find a way to disrupt the opponent. During this time period in the late 1940's, students resorted to a version of a "civil war" between the two schools as tension intensified. This intensity between the two schools led to a peace agreement being signed in 1948 to stress the importance of improving relations between the schools. 

Unfortunately, the intense tension did not improve after this peace agreement was signed, leading to an unfortunate accident in Alum Creek that claimed the life of an Otterbein student. 

Since this accident, the rivalry has become more civil, as many students, faculty, and administrators felt stunned and touched in some way that the rivalry had led to such a tragic incident. 

Fast-forward to today, the Capital vs. Otterbein rivalry remains fierce on the field and felt among both school's student bodies. The rivalry today centers more around the on-field play than anything else. 

"I think having this rivalry on the field allows us an opportunity to say 'We are Capital and here is where we are better than them," said President Kaufman. "In the conversations surrounding these competitions, this rivalry will help to differentiate Capital and tie us together with our alumni, students, and those connected to the university. These oars are just one way for us to stoke those conversations and unite us even more."

With that in mind, both schools are re-awakening the tradition of "The Oars" as there will once again be something to play for. As opposed to the previous edition of "The Oars" that awarded a single trophy to the school who won the most points each school year, the new set of "Oars" will feature an individual Capital-Otterbein oar for each sport, given immediately after the game to the winning team. The oar will then feature the year in which each school won on their designated side of the oar. 
Now with something to play for, both schools are hoping for a reinvigorated rivalry on the field. In addition to the rivalry on the field, the re-energized student bodies will be heavily involved in helping to make this a great year-to-year tradition moving forward. 

THE ORIGINAL OARS

     

THE CURRENT OARS