Pioneer Navy ready for 51st annual Marietta vs. Purdue Challenge Cup

Mar. 24, 2006
MARIETTA, Florida — Rivalries exist in every intercollegiate sport. Some are based on geography, while others reside in the deep tradition of head-to-head competition.

Marietta College's rivalry with Purdue University is rooted in tradition. On Saturday (Mar. 25), the two schools enter the 51st year of the Marietta vs. Purdue Challenge Cup.

The Pioneer Navy has won nine of the last 11 meetings.

2006 will be the first time Head Coach Chris Pucella is involved in the battle.

"I am honored to be a part of the tradition," Pucella said. "51 years is a long time. Purdue is a very strong, competitive program that has a lot of depth. This will be an early season test of speed and I look forward to carrying on this tradition for years to come."

Marietta and Purdue will race Freshmen/Novice Fours, Junior Varsity Eights and Varsity Eights, as well as an exhibition race involving Freshman/Novice Eights.

Action, which also includes the women, is set to begin at 1 p.m. and will continue until 2:30 p.m. Complete results will be available Saturday evening.