OREM—Utah Valley University and Dixie State University have announced the renewal of an old rivalry between the two schools that dates back 49 years. 
 
The Old Hammer Rivalry will continue the tradition that had been formed during their junior college days to present day with both schools holding NCAA Division I status and sharing membership in the Western Athletic Conference. 
 
"The rivalry will incorporate the history of the two schools," said Utah Valley athletic director Dr. Jared Sumsion. "Our history with Dixie State goes back nearly 50 years. We competed in the Scenic West Athletic Conference (SWAC) for years and now, with both holding membership in the WAC, it only makes sense to renew the rivalry and give it a name moving forward." 
 
Established in 1941, UVU was originally a vocational school with the primary function of providing wartime production training to help with the need of arms and ammunition. As the years went by and the school grew, UVU has still held strong to many of its vocational roots. 
 
Dixie State is located on the southern end of the state in St. George, Utah. St. George was settled by Latter-day Saint Pioneers in the mid 1800's and the Old Hammer Rivalry represents the development of the area and eventual addition of the school in 1911.
 
"We are excited to reignite our rivalry with Utah Valley and to initiate the 'Old Hammer Rivalry,'" said DSU Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Jason Boothe. "It will be exciting to battle the Wolverines each year for the right to retain the hammer!"

The two schools battled every year from the 1972-73 season in Region 18 and the Scenic West Athletic Conference. UVU and DSU will go head-to-head and compete for WAC titles against one another in baseball, cross country, men's golf, women's golf, basketball, men's soccer, women's soccer, softball, track & field, and volleyball.

The UVU and DSU men's basketball teams will play this Friday and Saturday in the first-ever game between the two schools since under the newly named rivalry. Tip-off for both games is set for 6 p.m.