Nov. 8, 2010

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford and Chattanooga athletics departments have announced the formation of the Southern Rail Rivalry, a competition between the two departments, beginning this fall.

Points will be awarded to the winner of each Samford-Chattanooga meeting throughout the school year. A championship trophy will be awarded to the athletics director of the winning school at the first home football, men's basketball or women's basketball matchup at the winning school the following year. The winning school will also receive 12 miniature trophies for each individual sport.

The winner will be determined by a point system agreed on by both schools. Four points will be awarded for the winner of football, men's basketball and women's basketball, while two points will go to the winner of all other sports. In the sports with no head-to-head matchups, two points will be awarded to the team that finishes higher at the SoCon Championships.

The 2010 football game between Samford and Chattanooga will be held this Saturday at UTC's Finley Stadium. Entering the week, Samford holds a 5-3 advantage in the competition.

The two schools split the two volleyball meetings, with each team earning a point. Samford earned two points for its win in soccer and another two points for finishing higher in the SoCon Women's Cross Country Championship. Chattanooga finished higher at the SoCon Men's Cross Country Championship, giving the Mocs two points.

An update on the standings will be announced at the end of the fall and winter seasons, and the winner of this year's competition will be announced at the conclusion of the spring season.