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Boston University, Holy Cross Create 'Turnpike Trophy' To Spice Up Rivalry

BOSTON (CBS) -- Boston University and Holy Cross are spicing up their in-state rivalry.

And it's not just on the baseball field and basketball court.

The two school, separated by just 42 miles, have created the "Turnpike Trophy competition," an athletic series between the Patriot League rivals that will span at least 21 varsity sports in its inaugural year.

The BU-Holy Cross rivalry dates back over 100 years, but was recently rejuvenated when Boston University joined the Patriot League in 2013.

"As we enter our third year in the Patriot League, a natural rivalry has been developing with our closest conference counterpart," BU director of athletics Drew Marrochello said. "The Turnpike Trophy will make every competition between BU and Holy Cross even more special, and it will be something in which our student-athletes, coaches, student bodies and alumni can participate and enjoy."

"Given the close proximity of our two schools, it is natural for a rivalry to develop between Holy Cross and Boston University," Holy Cross director of athletics Nathan Pine said. "This rivalry has intensified since the Terriers joined the Patriot League, and now I expect the Turnpike Trophy will take it to a whole new level. Alumni, parents, students and fans will never have to travel far to see these outstanding match-ups, and our student-athletes and coaches are already looking forward to the opportunity to win the inaugural presentation of the trophy."

Points towards the new hardware will be awarded for head-to-head victories, both in the regular season and the postseason, or a higher finish at conference championships in cross country, rowing, swimming & diving, track & field and women's golf. The trophy is still being constructed, but will be awarded to the school with the most points at year's end.

There are 23 points up for grabs during regular season tilts (one per sport with each basketball game counting as a point each), with additional points awarded if there are any postseason wins between the two schools. The point for softball will be awarded to the winner of the regular season three-game series.

Sports participating for the upcoming year are men's and women's soccer, basketball, cross country, lacrosse, rowing, swimming & diving, tennis and track & field as well as field hockey, softball and women's golf.

The first contest of the inaugural series will take place in Worcester on Friday, Oct. 9, when field hockey takes center stage for the kick-off.

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