Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone has ruffled the feathers of more than a few among Mountaineer Nation and Orange fans after making comments that the Ben Schwartzwalder Trophy will not be on the line for the winner of the 2012 Pinstripe Bowl.
Many have spoken out negatively about this decision, but now there is an official petition regarding asking that Syracuse reconsider its position in withholding the trophy from the winner of the game. Here is the full text of the petition that was published earlier today:
"The Ben Schwartzwalder Trophy was created in honor of former West Virginia University football player and Syracuse University head football coach, Ben Schwartzwalder. The trophy has been awarded to the winner of every football game between Syracuse University and West Virginia University since the trophy's introduction in 1993. The trophy is currently held by Syracuse after they won the final game between the two schools as members of the Big East Conference on October 22, 2011. West Virginia University has since joined the Big 12 Conference and Syracuse University is scheduled to join the Atlantic Coast Conference beginning with the 2013 football season. Syracuse University and West Virginia University are scheduled to meet in the 2012 New Era Pinstripe Bowl on December 19, 2012 at 3:15 p.m. EST at Yankee Stadium in New York City.WV Sports Nation completely supports the petition and hopes that you will sign it as well. You can visit the petition directly using this link. It appears the petition is sent to Syracuse's Chancellor Nancy Cantor, Athletic Director Daryl Gross, and Head Football Coach Doug Marrone.
When asked if the Ben Schwartzwalder Trophy would be on the line at the Pinstripe Bowl, Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone stated that it would not be.
Syracuse and West Virginia fans and alumni have expressed confusion and concern regarding this decision. By failing to honor the tradition of the Schwartzwalder Trophy, Syracuse University is impairing the significance of the 2012 Pinstripe Bowl. Due to this decision, some Syracuse and West Virginia fans have decided to forgo buying tickets to to bowl game. It is the belief of the creators of this petition, that the winner of every football game between Syracuse University and West Virginia University, regardless of whether that game occurs in the regular season or postseason, should be awarded the Ben Schwartzwalder Trophy. If the trophy is not awarded to the winner of the 2012 Pinstripe Bowl, it would mark the first time since the introduction of the award that the winner of a Syracuse versus West Virginia football game would not receive the trophy. If you disagree with the decision that has been made to withhold the trophy, and would like the trophy to be awarded to the winner of this important rivalry game as it has been in the past, please add your name to this petition."
