Stanford Axe

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Stanford_Axe

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Stanford Axe

The Stanford Axe is a trophy awarded annually to the winner of the college football game between the Stanford Cardinal and the California Golden Bears. This game is known as the Big Game and is one of the oldest and most storied rivalries in college football.

History

The Stanford Axe originated in 1899 when it was used by Stanford students to decapitate a straw man dressed in California's colors during a rally. The axe was stolen by California students during the Big Game that year and became a symbol of the rivalry. It was eventually returned to Stanford, and since 1933, it has been awarded to the winner of the Big Game.

Description

The Stanford Axe is a standard lumberman's axe with a red handle and a blade that is engraved with the scores of each Big Game. The handle is painted with the colors of the winning team, and the axe is mounted on a plaque that lists the scores of all the games.

Traditions

The Stanford Axe is kept by the winning school until the next Big Game. It is displayed prominently on the campus of the winning team and is often featured in rallies and other events. The losing team often makes elaborate plans to steal the axe back, leading to a series of pranks and heists over the years.

Notable Incidents

Over the years, there have been several notable incidents involving the Stanford Axe. In 1973, a group of Stanford students successfully stole the axe from a California rally. In 1982, the axe was stolen by a group of California students disguised as Stanford band members. These incidents have added to the lore and tradition of the Stanford Axe.

See Also

• Big Game (American football)
• Stanford Cardinal football
• California Golden Bears football
• College football rivalries in the United States