Akron Wins 2018-19 Crystal Clinic Wagon Wheel Challenge

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AKRON, Ohio – For the fourth consecutive year, University of Akron Athletics has won the Crystal Clinic Wagon Wheel Challenge, claiming a 7.5 to 6.5 victory over Kent State.

The intense Akron-Kent State rivalry came down to the final Mid-American Conference Championships weekend as the Zips men's and women's outdoor track and field teams claimed the final two points for the Wagon Wheel title win.

"The Akron student-athletes really relish the rivalry with Kent State," said Larry Williams, Akron Director of Athletics, "So securing the Wagon Wheel represents another valuable goal achieved. Cheers to the Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center for bringing additional light to a hearty rivalry that the entire community enjoys."

Akron football started the scoring for the Zips on Oct. 20 with a point. The men's and women's cross country teams each added a point at the MAC Championship meet on Oct. 27 to round out the fall scoring.

In the winter, the UA men's basketball (0.5) team split its two-games series, earning half a point. Men's and women's indoor track and field each secured a point at the MAC Championships.

Kent State earned points for volleyball (1.0), women's soccer (1.0), women's basketball (1.0), men's basketball (0.5), softball (1.0), women's golf (1.0), and men's golf (1.0).

"We are proud to be the sponsor of this long-standing tradition. Congratulations to the Zips for winning the Wagon Wheel Challenge four years in a row!" said Ronald Suntken, EdD, FACMPE, president and CEO of the Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center.

The multi-sport competition between the Zips and the Golden Flashes began during the 2011-12 academic year. KSU won the first four challenges, while the Zips have captured the last four.

Beginning in 2019-20, two additional sports will be added to the Wagon Wheel Challenge as Akron begins competition in baseball and women's lacrosse, sports which Kent State already fields.

The Crystal Clinic Wagon Wheel Challenge is based on a time-honored competition for an historic wooden wagon wheel trophy awarded originally in 1945 to the winner of the annual Akron-Kent State football game. Since the 2011-12 academic year, the rivalry was broadened to include 14 NCAA varsity sports, with victories in each sport adding one point to the challenge standings.

Fans can learn more about the rivalry and follow the results and standings via www.WagonWheelChallenge.com.

According to legend, the "Wagon Wheel" trophy traces its beginnings to the spring of 1870 when Akron industrialist John R. Buchtel set out for the town of Kent in search of a site to establish a college. In the muddy Ohio fields, however, his wagon became bogged down in the area where Kent State University is currently located. When horses pulled the wagon, a wheel came loose and became buried until it was discovered in 1902 during the construction of a pipeline along the Western Reserve Trail.

The wheel eventually fell into the possession of Dr. Raymond Manchester, who as the Kent State Dean of Men in 1945, suggested the local historic artifact be offered as the trophy to the winner of the annual Akron-Kent State football game. Through the 2018 game, Akron leads the series at 24–23–1 in Wagon Wheel games. Dating back to 1923, Akron leads the all-time series on the gridiron, 35-24-2.

Learfield IMG College is the sponsorship and multi-media rights holder for both Akron and Kent State athletics, as well as The Crystal Clinic Wagon Wheel Challenge.

Crystal Clinic Wagon Wheel Challenge History
2018-19         Akron 7.5, Kent State 6.5
2017-18         Akron 7.5, Kent State 6.5
2016-17         Akron 7.5, Kent State 6.5
2015-16         Akron 7.5, Kent State 6.5
2014-15         Kent State 8.0, Akron 7.0
2013-14         Kent State 8.5, Akron 6.5
2012-13         Kent State 8.0, Akron 7.0
2011-12         Kent State 9.0, Akron 6.0

The University of Akron Athletics

Akron Wins 2018-19 Crystal Clinic Wagon Wheel Challenge

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