The Wesleyan-Trinity College Football Rivalry

In the heart of Connecticut, where academic excellence meets athletic passion, the Wesleyan University Cardinals and the Trinity College Bantams have forged one of the most enduring rivalries in Division III college football. Dating back to 1885, the Wesleyan-Trinity football rivalry is a testament to the competitive spirit, shared history, and geographic proximity that define these two prestigious liberal arts institutions. Separated by just 20 miles, Wesleyan in Middletown and Trinity in Hartford have clashed on the gridiron for over a century, producing moments of triumph, heartbreak, and unforgettable drama. With Trinity holding a slight edge in the all-time series at 63-53-1 as of 2018, the rivalry remains a cornerstone of New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) football, captivating students, alumni, and fans alike.

Origins and Historical Context

The Wesleyan-Trinity football rivalry began in an era when college football was still in its infancy, with rules and traditions far different from today’s game. The first recorded meeting in 1885 set the stage for a competition that would grow in intensity and significance. Both schools, founded in the early 19th century—Wesleyan in 1831 and Trinity in 1823—share a commitment to academic rigor and a liberal arts education, but their athletic programs have long been a point of pride. The rivalry’s roots are intertwined with the broader “Little Three” athletic conference, which includes Wesleyan, Trinity, and their mutual rival, Amherst College. This trio of schools, often compared to the Ivy League’s “Big Three” (Harvard, Yale, Princeton), has competed annually since 1910, fostering a unique dynamic where football serves as a battleground for institutional bragging rights.

The early years of the rivalry were marked by fiercely contested games, often played before modest crowds on fields that bore little resemblance to modern stadiums. Wesleyan’s Andrus Field, the oldest continuously used football field in the world, has been the site of many historic clashes, its weathered turf bearing witness to the rivalry’s evolution. Trinity’s Jessee/Miller Field, meanwhile, has been a fortress for the Bantams, particularly during their dominant stretches. Over the decades, the series has seen both teams enjoy periods of supremacy, with Trinity’s recent success contrasted by Wesleyan’s resurgence in the 21st century.

The Little Three: A Broader Context

The Wesleyan-Trinity rivalry is amplified by its place within the “Little Three,” a historic athletic conference that includes Wesleyan, Trinity, and Amherst College. Established formally in 1910, the Little Three is a nod to the Ivy League’s Big Three and represents a tradition of competition among three of New England’s most prestigious liberal arts colleges. In football, the Little Three title is awarded to the team that defeats both of its rivals in a given season, a feat that carries immense prestige. Wesleyan’s football team, for example, claimed the Little Three title outright in 2013, 2016, 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024, marking significant milestones in their rivalry with Trinity and Amherst. The Little Three framework elevates the stakes of the Wesleyan-Trinity game, as a victory can often determine the outcome of this coveted championship.

Key Moments and Memorable Games

The Wesleyan-Trinity rivalry has produced a litany of memorable games, each adding a new chapter to its storied history. One such game occurred in 2014, when Wesleyan snapped Trinity’s 14-game winning streak in the series with a thrilling 20-19 victory. The game came down to a failed two-point conversion attempt by Trinity, a moment that sparked wild celebrations among Wesleyan fans and signaled a shift in the rivalry’s balance.

In 2015, Trinity responded with a hard-fought 17-13 win at Jessee/Miller Field, a game that showcased the defensive prowess and physicality that define the rivalry. Trinity’s freshman running back Max Chipouras scored two touchdowns, while quarterback Sonny Puzzo made critical plays to secure the victory. Despite late turnovers, Trinity’s top-ranked NESCAC defense held firm, stuffing Wesleyan on a crucial goal-line stand to preserve the win. The game drew a crowd of over 5,000, underscoring the rivalry’s significance to both communities.

The 2018 matchup saw Trinity shut out Wesleyan 9-0, clinching their third consecutive NESCAC title. Devante Reid’s third-quarter touchdown and a stout defensive effort limited Wesleyan to just 175 yards of offense, highlighting Trinity’s dominance during this period. However, Wesleyan turned the tables in 2024, defeating Trinity 27-17 in the season finale at Jessee/Miller Field. The Cardinals’ victory secured their second NESCAC championship and capped an impressive 8-1 season, while Trinity finished at 7-2. This game exemplified Wesleyan’s recent resurgence and their ability to compete with Trinity’s historically strong program.

The Rivalry’s Modern Era

In recent years, the Wesleyan-Trinity rivalry has taken on new dimensions, fueled by both teams’ competitive success and the evolving landscape of NESCAC football. Trinity, under longtime coach Jeff Devanney, has been a perennial powerhouse, boasting a 66-13 record from 2005 to 2015 and multiple NESCAC titles. Wesleyan, meanwhile, has seen a renaissance under coaches like Dan DiCenzo and, more recently, Norm St. Amour, with the Cardinals achieving consistent winning seasons and Little Three titles.

The 2023 season highlighted the rivalry’s intensity, though it was a lopsided affair. Trinity dominated Wesleyan 58-6 at Corwin Stadium, capitalizing on Wesleyan’s turnovers to end the Cardinals’ eight-game home winning streak. The loss was a bitter pill for Wesleyan, who finished the season 6-3, while Trinity moved to 7-1. Yet, Wesleyan’s 2024 victory demonstrated their resilience, as they outplayed Trinity in a game that decided the NESCAC championship. This back-and-forth dynamic keeps the rivalry fresh, with each team pushing the other to new heights.

Cultural and Emotional Significance

Beyond the scoreboard, the Wesleyan-Trinity rivalry is a cultural touchstone for both institutions. The annual game is a highlight of the academic year, drawing students, alumni, and local fans to cheer passionately for their side. The proximity of the two schools—less than a 30-minute drive apart—adds a “neighborhood” feel to the competition, with bragging rights extending far beyond the field. As Trinity coach Jeff Devanney once noted, the rivalry thrives on a mix of respect and disdain, a sentiment echoed by Wesleyan’s athletic director Mike Whalen, who has emphasized the shared values and competitive spirit of the two programs.

The rivalry also carries emotional weight for players and coaches. For Trinity seniors, a win over Wesleyan is a capstone to their careers, a chance to uphold the legacy of a program that has won football games across three centuries. For Wesleyan players, defeating Trinity is a point of pride, especially given the Bantams’ historical edge in the series. The 2014 Wesleyan victory, for instance, was a moment of catharsis for a program that had endured years of frustration against their rivals.

The Future of the Rivalry

As the Wesleyan-Trinity rivalry moves forward, its future looks as bright as its past. Both programs remain committed to excellence, with strong coaching staffs, talented rosters, and passionate fan bases. The NESCAC’s round-robin schedule, implemented in 2017, ensures that the teams will continue to face off annually, typically in the season finale, keeping the stakes high. The Little Three framework further amplifies the rivalry’s significance, as both teams vie not only for victory over each other but also for regional supremacy against Amherst.

The rivalry’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to evolve while staying true to its roots. Whether it’s a nail-biting finish like the 2014 game or a defensive slugfest like 2018, each matchup adds to the tapestry of a competition that has spanned three centuries. As Wesleyan and Trinity continue to recruit top talent and build on their storied legacies, fans can expect more thrilling chapters in this historic rivalry.

The Wesleyan-Trinity football rivalry is more than a game—it’s a celebration of tradition, competition, and community. From its humble beginnings in 1885 to its modern-day battles for NESCAC and Little Three supremacy, the rivalry encapsulates the essence of college football at its purest. For students and alumni, it’s a source of pride and identity; for players, it’s a chance to etch their names into history. As the Cardinals and Bantams prepare for their next clash, one thing is certain: the Wesleyan-Trinity rivalry will continue to captivate and inspire, a testament to the enduring power of sport to unite and divide in equal measure