Since Fielding H. Yost took over Michigan's team in 1901, no opponent had tied, let alone beaten, the Wolverines. Then came October 31, 1903. Fearing Minnesota might taint Michigan's water, they purchased a jug to take to the game to hold their drinking water.
With two minutes left, Minnesota tied the ball game, causing their fans to storm the field. This forced the two teams to suspend play. In all the mayhem, Michigan quickly returned to their bus, leaving the jug behind.
On the morning following the game, Minnesota custodian Oscar Munson carried an earthenware water jug to the office of the athletics department . Munson pronounced, "Yost left his jug.” Still giddy from the tie, they decided to keep the prize, and painted on its side “Michigan Jug - Captured by Oscar, October 31, 1903,” and the score, “Minnesota 6, Michigan 6.”
Yost sent a letter asking Minnesota to return the jug. Cooke (Minnesota's athletic director) wrote back, “if you want it, you’ll have to win it.”
Thus, the battle of the "Little Brown Jug" was born.
Every year since that time, whenever Michigan and Minnesota play, the winner returns to campus with their trophy, "The Little Brown Jug," and adds the score of the game to the side.
Currently, the Little Brown Jug resides in the Michigan trophy room.
1 comment:
These are neat stories Amy! I like'em!
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