The Battle of the Brass Lantern

                On Saturday, the University of the Cumberlands football team will take on their rivalry school Union College for the Battle of the Brass Lantern at 12 p.m. at Union College in Barbourville, Ky.   

            The Battle of the Brass Lantern is a trophy that is passed between the UC Patriots and the Union Bulldogs. This trophy is specially made for the two teams and is exclusively for football.

According to Union’s athletic website, the battle began in 1905 and acquired its name from the coal mines- as the lantern is symbolic in paying homage to the coal mining industry in southeastern Ky. where both colleges are located.

“No matter how good or bad the season is going for us or for Union, it’s a battle every time we play for the trophy. We’re ready,” said the Patriot’s head coach John Bland.

The Patriots have managed to take home the trophy for the past five years after Bland became head coach in 2006. According to Bland, 2005 was the last time Union had the trophy in their possession, making the competition to get it back or keep it, highly competitive and intense.

            Zack Stroub, a senior on the Patriot’s football team said, “We’ve won it every year since I’ve been here. I don’t expect Saturday to be any different because everyone is focused and ready to dominate again.”

Head Coach John Bland holding the Brass Lantern 

            According to Bland, the Patriot’s athletic director Randy Vernon, will transport the trophy to Union College on Saturday before the game and keep it in his possession until the battle has been won. The winning team will receive the trophy to celebrate and take pictures after the game. It’s then the school’s responsibility to add the plaque onto the trophy and keep it in the football office until the following year.

“We’re gonna win, that’s the plan. We can’t leave that trophy space empty. It’s coming back with us,” Bland said.