St. Lawrence University and Clarkson University are launching the inaugural Route 11 Rivalry Series, a year-long competition celebrating one of collegiate athletics' most storied rivalries and the deep connections between two universities and the North Country communities they call home.

Beginning with the 2026-27 academic year, varsity athletic contests between the Saints and the Golden Knights will count toward the Danny Fay Cup, an annual trophy awarded and passed to the institution that accumulates the most points throughout the academic year. Head-to-head competitions between the two universities will contribute to the overall standings, adding even more excitement and significance to matchups across multiple sports.

The cup is named in honor of the late Danny Fay, a beloved teacher, businessman, and community leader whose passion for collegiate athletics and commitment to the North Country helped shape generations of student-athletes and fans. The cup will serve as a lasting symbol of sportsmanship, excellence, and regional pride.

"This rivalry is one of the great traditions in collegiate athletics, built on decades of fierce competition, mutual respect, and unwavering pride," said Franco Bari, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at St. Lawrence University. "The Danny Fay Cup gives us a new way to celebrate that tradition across an entire year while bringing together our student-athletes, alumni, fans, and North Country communities. We're excited to honor the history of this rivalry while creating new traditions and unforgettable experiences for generations to come. This series is about more than determining a champion, it is about bringing people together while creating unforgettable experiences and showcasing to a national audience what makes this rivalry so special."

Separated by just 10 miles along Route 11, St. Lawrence and Clarkson have built a rivalry that extends well beyond any single team or sport. The series will also create new opportunities for fan engagement, community events, alumni involvement, and collaborative promotions throughout the year, while drawing greater attention to the history of the rivalry and the distinctive universities and communities of the North Country.

The Route 11 Rivalry Series is sponsored by Sergi's Italian Restaurant and Victory Promotions, two organizations with deep roots in the North Country and longstanding support of collegiate athletics. Their partnership reflects a shared commitment to celebrating the unique traditions and spirited competition that make this rivalry one of the best in the nation.

"The Route 11 Rivalry Series is about much more than wins and losses," said Laurel Kane, Director of Athletics at Clarkson University. "It celebrates the traditions, pride and relationships that have defined this rivalry for generations. We are excited to partner with Sergi's Italian Restaurant, with locations in both Potsdam and Canton, and Victory Promotions, two sponsors with strong ties to our North Country communities, to help bring this series to life. Together, we have an opportunity to bring our communities even closer while shining a national spotlight on one of the premier rivalries in college athletics. We look forward to honoring the history and tradition of Route 11 while creating new traditions that will endure for generations."

Additional information, including the official point system, standings, schedule of rivalry events, and Danny Fay Cup presentation details will be forthcoming.