Garden State Hardwood Classic Trophy Unveiled
12/3/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
EDISON, N.J. - Traditional rivals on the court, the two most prominent basketball programs in New Jersey came together at a Garden State landmark on Tuesday as representatives from the Seton Hall University and Rutgers University programs gathered at the Skylark Diner in Edison, N.J. to help christen the newly-named "Garden State Hardwood Classic" with an unveiling of the custom-made trophy that will be at stake during each annual meeting.
"Today marks a great day in the annual tradition between Rutgers and Seton Hall," said Patrick Lyons Vice President and Director of Athletics/Recreational Services. "You have the in-state rivalry, a Big Ten program, a BIG EAST program - two of the best conferences in the country playing against each other - so moving forward we wanted to ensure this event got the attention it deserved."
The inaugural installment of the branded rivalry will be hosted by The Hall this Saturday, December 6 with tip-off scheduled for Noon at the Prudential Center. The contest will mark the 66th between the two squads all-time and the second in an eight-year agreement that extends the longstanding series through 2020 with alternating home sites.
This season however, a freshly-minted prize will be up for grabs and it is one that is befitting of a spirited rivalry that honors the essence of New Jersey. Erected on a farm in Cumberland County, N.J. by Colin Pezzano - a New Jersey resident and 2014 graduate of the University of the Arts - the 32-inch, 33-pound trophy consists primarily of recycled Asbury Park boardwalk planks that were recovered in the rebuilding process that followed Superstorm Sandy.
The main structure has been carved out to replicate the physical layout of the state of New Jersey and is set in a base that resembles the features of a basketball. The numbers "1916" have been engraved in the wooden structure as well, honoring the year in which the teams first met, while the athletics logos of the respective programs have been included in a position that corresponds to their geographic location.
Part of the rivalry stems from the fact that the two schools are separated by just an approximate 27-mile drive.
In addition to its distinct basketball-like makeup, the base is garnished by the official logo of the "Garden State Hardwood Classic" which was conceived and created by Seton Hall women's soccer student-athlete Peggy Nicolle, a current senior at the University.
"From where [the trophy] has come from, from the boardwalk and who made it signifies the importance this game," said Seton Hall head coach Kevin Willard who will be coaching as part of the rivalry for the ninth time on Saturday.
The Pirates hold a 36-29 advantage over the Scarlet Knights after scoring a 77-71 road victory at "The RAC" in 2013-14. The result marked the 18th time in the last 20 matchups that the game was decided by no more than six points or in overtime and halted a three-game RU winning streak over SHU.
Rutgers claimed the first six meetings between the schools from 1916-1931, all of which were hosted by the Scarlet Knights or played on a neutral floor, but the Pirates own the longest winning streak in the series having posted seven-straight victories from 1986-1995.
The teams have met in every season since 1994-95; playing a total of 36 times with The Hall possessing a 21-to-15 edge during that span.
To purchase tickets for Saturday's game, please click here or take advantage of the Garden State Hardwood Classic Commemorative Ticket Package which includes two tickets and a commemorative photo frame here using the promotional code: hallrutgers
This commemorative offer expires on Thursday, December 4 at 11:59 p.m.
