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In local or regional sports, one would be hard-pressed to find more rivalry and tradition than the annual Battle Ax game between Pipestone and Luverne. The history is well-told and known to all who have taken to the gridiron in battle or cheered for the green & white or the red & white from the stands.
This past week’s 68th version of the storied game didn’t disappoint on a number of levels. It truly brought out the best of our student-athletes, fans, and communities.
From a fan and community standpoint, the attendance was amazing. Bleachers on both sides of the field were filled with fans that brought fully engaged support to the action on the field. The grassy areas were chock-full of young children playing catch and impromptu games. Throw in a community food drive at the gate and a halftime band performance, and the mix is quintessential Friday Night Lights in SW Minnesota.
The action on the field was everything one could ask for as a football fan. The game was hard-hitting, but not dirty, featured big plays by numerous players on both sides, was closely matched, and kept everyone on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
While roaming the field after the chanting of “Down To The River”, Pipestone’s historic post-win tradition dating back to the late 70’s, I could feel the immense sense of pride and accomplishment from our players. This was an experience that every Pipestone player will keep in his memory bank for a lifetime.
I still recall the 8-0 victory from my 1989 senior year, two closely matched teams, playing for pride and tradition, in a defensive battle (a formula that can be claimed across almost all of these games). The game’s lone score came on a run up the middle that somehow sprung and put us over the top. That game, like all others since 1957, ended with captains crossing the field to present the Battle Ax; a sign of sportsmanship and tradition that has entertained and motivated both communities for many years, and, hopefully, for many years to come.