DePauw and Wabash Presidents Issue Joint Letter to Monon Bell Fans

November 12, 2008

Also: Monon Bell Ticket Information; HDNet Telecast Details; Online DVD Order Form

November 12, 2008, Greencastle, Ind. - In what is believed to be an unprecedented move, the presidents of DePauw University and Wabash College -- Brian W. Casey and Patrick White -- are issuing a joint statement in advance of the annual football game between the two institutions. The 115th Monon Bell Classic will take place Saturday, November 15, in Crawfordsville.

 "At Byron P. Hollett Stadium, the Wabash community will extend a hearty and welcoming Little Giant hand of hospitality to the DePauw Tigers and DePauw students, alumni, faculty and staff, families and friends," write Drs. Casey and White. "DePauw University in turn comes to Wabash as welcomed and respectful guests. The eyes of Wabash and DePauw will be on us as alumni from both schools gather in 58 locations all over the country and beyond -- and a national television audience will also be witness -- as we celebrate the game and this storied rivalry."

In the letter, which is being published in both schools' student newspapers (The DePauw and The Bachelor), the presidents state their pride in "the history we share ... We join together, today, to ask all of you -- students, alumni, and friends -- to respect one another and each school. Please be safe, and please take care of one another."

President White explains, "This great rivalry each year is the occasion for some fans to forget who they are and engage in unsportsmanlike behavior. Our teams, our fans, and DePauw and Wabash deserve better. Dr. Casey and I wish to remind our fans that the eyes of the nation are going to be on us and that perceptions of Wabash and DePauw can be shaped by the actions of a few."

Casey, who assumed the presidency of DePauw in July, adds, "As a student of history and college traditions, I know DePauw and Wabash are fortunate to have this terrific rivalry, which is mentioned by national pundits in the same breath as Ohio State-Michigan as being special. Dr. White and I encourage fans to come out and cheer for their team but to be mindful of the respect the opposing team, its fans, and this long series deserve."

Access the letter by clicking here.

Voted Indiana's "best sports rivalry" by visitors to ESPN.com, the Monon Bell Classic is one of the nation's longest and greatest football rivalries. The November 15 game will be the 77th for possession of the Monon Bell, which was introduced as the winner's prize in 1932. Wabash leads the all-time series 53-52-9, while DePauw leads in games played for the Monon Bell by a 36-34-6 count. [Download Video: "Ballad of the Monon Bell - 2007 Version" - 10,419kb] [Download Audio: "Ballad of the Monon Bell - Stereo" - 4436kb]

DePauw's allotment of tickets for the game is on sale now. The contest will be televised nationally for a third consecutive year in high definition by HDNet. A commemorative 2-DVD set of the 2008 battle for the Bell will be jointly produced by DePauw and Wabash and is available for pre-order at a discounted price. [Download Video: "2007 Monon Memory" - 7808kb]

To learn more about the Monon Bell Classic, click here. A complete roster of "Monon Memories" -- video highlights of past classics -- can be found here.

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