War Canoe Trophy

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The War Canoe Trophy was hand carved by Seminole Indians from a 200 year old cypress tree that was struck by lightning. Donated on the behalf of Hollywood, Florida in 1950, it has been an award given to the winner of college football games between the University of Florida and the University of Miami. The canoe is a representation of the fightning spirit of the Seminole Indians that was displayed during play between the Florida Gators and Miami Hurricanes.

The game was played every year until the 1980s, when the requirement of the Southeastern Conference for member schools to play eight conference games induced the University of Florida to fill out the nonconference portion of its schedule with lesser competition. The War Canoe trophy is currently on display at the University of Miami's sports hall of fame.