WINNIPEG — Starting January 24 at 6:15 p.m. basketball and volleyball teams from the University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba will go head-to-head in an ongoing rivalry dubbed the Duckworth Challenge.
Started in 1991 by UWinnipeg President Emeritus Dr. Henry E. Duckworth, the Duckworth Challenge is an annual tournament based on the cross-town rivalry between the University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba.
“I’ve always had a keen interest in the Wesmen and the Bisons,” said Dr. Duckworth, “as well as a keen awareness of the rivalry between the two schools. The Wesmen Classic always attracts a lot of attention, but there was a lull after it ended.” That left an opening for an institutional competition rather than a team competition, and the Duckworth Challenge was born. This event puts the teams of Winnipeg’s two universities head-to-head every January.
Always good-natured, the UWinnipeg/U of M rivalry has even hit the University’s concession stands. “Just like last year, fans can get Bison Burgers hot off the grill,” said Bill Wedlake, Director of Recreation and Athletic Services. “The University of Manitoba keeps saying they’re going to serve Wesmen Weenies, but they haven’t done it yet!”
Getting right into the spirit, members of UWinnipeg’s Alumni Association, along with Wesmen mascot Wesley Coyote, will lob miniature souvenir basketballs into the crowd.
Besides the Bison Burgers, what makes the Duckworth challenge unique is the format. For one of the universities to win the event, its teams must win a minimum of three of the four games played. Events are held at both universities, starting with basketball at the University of Winnipeg.
January 24 – Basketball
University of Winnipeg Duckworth Centre
400 Spence Street
Women 6:15 p.m.
Men 8:00 p.m.
January 30 – Volleyball
University of Manitoba Investor’s Group Athletic Centre
Fort Garry Campus
Women 6:15 p.m.
Men 8:00 p.m.
Admission is $6 (adults), free for children 12 and under. UWinnipeg students get in free with a valid UWinnipeg student ID card for games hosted at the University of Winnipeg. Courtesy of the Alumni Association, UWinnipeg alumni can call 204.786.9711 to reserve a free family pass.
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For more information about this release, please contact Katherine Unruh, Director of Communications at 204.786.9872.
