Beloved Old Wagon Wheel football rivalry’s future in jeopardy
PROVO, Utah —The Aggies and Cougars battled for the Old Wagon Wheel for what could be the last time on Thursday night. The game marked their 91st faceoff before BYU will transition to the Big 12 from independence.
The teams were scheduled to meet four times between now and the 2026 season, but after the change in conference for BYU, games between the schools will come down to scheduling and whether or not the teams are willing to arrange a game or series.
“It’s sad. It’s a tradition —it has to continue,” said USU alumnus Jay Larson.
The rivalry got its nickname when the Old Wagon Wheel trophy was created in 1948. Given by the two main fraternities of both schools, the traveling trophy has been passed back and forth between schools since then, with Utah State dominating 18 of the first 27 games played. Since then, BYU holds an advantage of 42-25. But not every fan has given up hope.
Sam Lapuaho, father of USU offensive lineman Weylin Lapuaho, said, “I’m always hopeful. You got to play the game, you know? You never know.”
Among the sea of royal blue in the stands, pockets of diehard Aggie fans decked out in navy blue could be seen. The first ever game between the schools took place in 1922. Recently, the Aggies have won some of the most notable meetings,the then No. 18 team 35-20 in 2014 in Provo.
Others include consecutive Utah State wins in 2017 and 2018 for the first time in 44 years. The Aggies hope to take home the Old Wagon Wheel after two consecutive losses to BYU, including a 34-20 home loss last October.
But no matter the result, it won’t change how Aggies feel about their school.
USU student Josie Roderer said, “Being an Aggie, to me, means being a part of the best school in Utah, and in the country, and just having a great place to be and a great home to come to.”
Among the Utah State supporters are selected members of the USU marching band who came to show their support and to play for the team from the stands.
First-year saxophone player Benji Hansen said, “I’m just excited to be here and support the football team. Hopefully, they can hear us play all the way up here. I just really feel for the football team, like the guys put forth a lot of effort and they work hard, so I want to be able to back them up and recognize their effort.”
Aggie fans traveled not only from Logan but other parts of the country as well to witness the fight for the Old Wagon Wheel.
“We came all the way from Arizona for this game,” Larson’s wife, Jennifer added. Fans are holding onto hope and will remain faithful until the end.
USU student Morgan Young said, “Being an Aggie fan means showing your school spirit at all times.”
LaVell Edwards Stadium is named after former USU offensive lineman, who went on to coach BYU in their 1984 national championship seasons well as 1990 Heisman trophy winner Ty Detmer.
BYU fan Michael Chase said, “I don’t think this will be the last game-it might be a couple years but I hope it comes back. I love the rivalry games.”
The teams meet with overall 2022 records of BYU 3-1 and USU 1-3. Last Saturday, the Cougars met Wyoming and left with a 38-24 win. USU played UNLV, losing 24-34 the same day.
Second-year marching band member Claire Ott said, “I always want to support my Aggies. I’ll hold on to my glimmer of hope.”
Featured image by Sam Warner.