PIKE COUNTY, Mo. — The Mayor’s Cup, the oldest-known traveling trophy in Pike County, Missouri, will be presented tonight to the winner of the football game between Louisiana and Bowling Green by the mayors of the two communities.

Louisiana Mayor Kathy Smith and Bowling Green Mayor Jim Arico will help continue a tradition that started almost three decades ago. The Mayor’s Cup was introduced in 1994 by previous mayors Mike Grote of Bowling Green and the late Bill Wunderlich of Louisiana.

The two mayors would meet regularly to discuss city government business and how to help the two communities work together more closely. The Mayor’s Cup was an idea they had that worked as a symbol of good will. It also celebrated the tradition of sports in the area.

Both men played football in their high school days. Wunderlich was a 1979 graduate who played offensive and defensive tackle. Grote was an offensive guard and linebacker who graduated in 1972.

Grote stopped by the KJFM studio this week to provide background on the tradition as one of the creators of the trophy. He shared that he was pleased the schools were reigniting the tradition of the Mayor’s Cup game.

The Bulldogs were victorious in the inaugural game with a 19-12 victory. MSHSAA required scheduling changes in the early 2000s, which prevented the game from being played annually. The Cup was last won by Bowling Green in 2015 with a 23-6 victory over the Bulldogs.

Both football coaches are pleased the rivalry is back on the schedule. Bowling Green Athletic Director Matt Chance noted it’s great for the program.

“Both communities know each other very well and both will give extra effort to play well in this game.  It should be a great atmosphere for high school Friday Night Lights.”

Louisiana Athletic Director Ryan Griffin echoed the sentiments.

“We are excited to play these rivalry games now and in the future,” Griffin remarked. “That was one of the reasons for us wanting to join the EMO Conference. We wanted to renew the rivalries with schools that are close to us geographically.”

Another fun aspect of those early years of the Mayor’s Cup were the friendly side wagers between the mayors. Grote had wagered a gallon of Sweet Betsy from Pike barbeque sauce and bacon from Woods Smoked Meats while Wunderlich wagered a bushel of Red Delicious apples from Stark Bro’s.

Smith and Arico said they will also share a friendly wager but haven’t decided what that will include at this time. Both mayors noted the reinstitution of the Mayor’s Cup has even opened lines of communication on municipal business and how the cities can work together more closely.

“This is a great tradition and I’m glad to help play a role in it,” Arico pointed out.

The Mayor’s Cup game tonight will take place at Cunningham Field with kickoff at 7 p.m. Fans are encouraged to pack the stands for the battle of ‘Cats and ‘Dogs!