On Sept. 13, 2007, Brigham Young University and the University of Utah announced the formation of a rivalry series between the two schools. The series--which formally began this season--has been named the Deseret First Duel and is presented by Deseret First Credit Union.
The term Deseret refers to the original name of the territory of Utah (State of Deseret) and is an appropriate name for an athletic rivalry that dates back to the 1890s. The term Duel refers to a contest between two parties to decide a point of honor. Blending the two terms is the ideal name for a formalized series.
The rivalry series includes competition in the 12 sports the two universities compete head-to-head during regular-season play. So far during the 2007 season the Deseret First Duel is tied six to six. BYU swept the University of Utah in women's volleyball for three points each game, while the Utes defeated the Cougars 1-0 in soccer to claim six points.
Up next is the highly anticipated Deseret First Duel football game between the Cougars and the Utes. The game, scheduled for November 24, is worth 10 points towards the yearly total.
The Deseret First Duel awards points to the winner of each head-to-head competition. A team trophy is awarded to the individual winner of each sport--football, basketball, softball, etc. Points won by the individual sports count toward the school's overall total. At the conclusion of each school year, a granite trophy will be awarded to the overall rivalry series champion.
The Utah vs. BYU rivalry is one of the oldest and strongest in the country. In November 2005, the Wall Street Journal rated the rivalry the fourth best in college athletics. Thanks to a partnership with Deseret First Credit Union, the rivalry now has an official name and a traveling trophy to signify yearly supremacy.
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