Last week Ferris and Davenport University came together to announce the creation of the “Calder City Classic” rivalry between the two program’s football teams.
President Bill Pink and athletic director Steve Brockelbank were in Grand Rapids by the famous “La Grande Vitesse” to ring in the rivalry alongside Davenport’s president Richard J. Pappas and athletic director Paul Lowden.
Ferris and Davenport have competed against each other eight times over the past decade in the GLIAC conference and decided to put a name to the rivalry in partnership with the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame.
The rivalry matchup will take place every regular season where the two teams will compete for the Calder City Classic trophy.
The first official matchup of the rivalry will take place later this season at Top Taggart Field before returning to Davenport’s home field in 2025. The plan is set for every third year of the rivalry to be played at a neutral Grand Rapids location beginning in 2026.
President Bill Pink showed his support for the new rivalry at the creation ceremony.
“This game will give us a chance to establish a new tradition,” Pink said. “West Michigan sports fans will have the opportunity to see two outstanding football programs go head-to-head, and also learn more about the excellent educational programs each of our great universities have to offer.”
More details on the trophy and the official rivalry logo will be announced closer to the date of the first game between the two schools.