SYRACUSE, NY – On Wednesday, Le Moyne College and The College of Saint Rose announced the formation of a new rivalry series, the 'Upstate Challenge.' Beginning the fall of 2011, the two schools will square off in 14 sports in which the schools compete head-to-head in the regular season or during the Northeast-10 Conference Championship. The winner of the series will be awarded the first 'Upstate Challenge' trophy.

“The Upstate Challenge will add another layer of excitement and significance for our teams, fans and alums to what is already a healthy and fierce rivalry between Saint Rose and Le Moyne,” said Cathy Haker, Saint Rose Athletic Director. “These two upstate New York athletics programs go head-to-head in many ways and the Challenge Cup will only enhance the game-day experience for everyone associated with each contest.”

Matt Bassett, Le Moyne College Athletic Director added, “There are not many things that resonate on a college campus like a good old-fashion rivalry. With the addition of the Upstate Challenge Cup, we will be developing a rivalry series that we believe will excite our student-athletes in competition and galvanize our campus and community when it comes to cheering on the Dolphins! Rivalries are born out of respect. We have always maintained a great level of respect for Saint Rose, both athletically and academically. We are similar institutions in many ways.”

The 'Upstate Challenge' will utilize a system that awards one point to the program that wins the season series. If a team competes only once during the regular season, the winner of the single game is awarded one point. In the case where teams compete multiple times during the regular season, a point will be awarded to the team winning the overall series. When a series is split, one half-point is awarded. When teams only meet during the Northeast-10 Conference Championship, the team with the highest finish is awarded one point.

Following the year, a team trophy will be publicly awarded to the winning athletic department for display. Updates on the challenge will be available online at www.lemoynedolphins.com or www.gogoldenknights.com.