The New Sweet Sioux

Remember last fall's football game between Northwestern and Illinois was the last go 'round for the Sweet Sioux trophy. The two schools decided to duck any more flack from people who found the trophy objectionable or insensitive or had nothing better to do than bitch and retired the tomahawk that has been the prize for the annual game since the 40's.

There are four choices for replacements for the Sweet Sioux tomahawk. The schools expect to announce the new trophy around each of their spring football games on April 25.

The four suggestions for the new series trophy include the following:
• The Land of Lincoln Trophy ­- A replica of Lincoln's stove pipe hat mounted on a piece of White Oak (Illinois' state tree).
• President's Trophy ­- Recognizing the four presidents associated with the state of Illinois ­ Lincoln, Grant, Reagan and Obama.
• The Popcorn Bowl -- Named after the Illinois state snack.
• Graham-Grange Fire Bell (original series trophy started in 1941 was a fire bell) -- Named after two of the greatest players at each school ­- Otto Graham of Northwestern and Red Grange of Illinois.

The Presidents Trophy, I'm OK with that. It's a bit of a stretch, but's it's ok.

The Land of Lincoln thing, that sounds totally lame, a giant license plate, maybe?

The Popcorn Bowl is of too little relevance to merit further comment.

That leaves us with the Graham-Grange Trophy. I can pirate a big chunk of information or redirect you to http://hailtopurple.com/grahamgrange.html Hail to Purple has done a great job showcasing this as the most desirable choice.

You can vote for one of these four choices by clicking here.

You can also nominate your own. This has possibilities. Let me know what you come up with.

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