The Dutchman's Shoes is a trophy awarded to the winner of the annual college football game between the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Engineers and the Union College Garnet Chargers. The trophy was introduced in 1950 and is contested as part of the oldest football rivalry in the state of New York, which dates back to 1886.
Trophy Design
The trophy consists of a wooden base with two wooden clogs (Dutch shoes) mounted on a small pedestal. One clog is painted cherry red with a white letter "R" (representing Rensselaer), and the other is painted garnet with a white letter "U" (representing Union). The design is a nod to the Dutch heritage associated with both institutions.
History
The football rivalry between RPI and Union began on November 20, 1886. The Dutchman's Shoes trophy was introduced in 1950, originating from student mischief between the two schools. Prior to the trophy's introduction, Union dominated the series, winning 33 of the 47 pre-trophy meetings. As of the end of the 2025 season, the two schools have met 122 times, with Union leading the all-time series 85–33–4. In the trophy series (since 1950), Union leads 52–24.
The game often serves as the season finale for both schools and has frequently been a de facto championship game for the Liberty League title and the automatic berth to the NCAA Division III playoffs.
Notable Games
- 2005: The highest-scoring game in the rivalry's history, a 49–42 victory for Union.
- 2012: The first overtime game in the rivalry, won by Union 34–28.
- 2021: RPI won 19–17 on a field goal as time expired, claiming the league title.
- 2023: Union reclaimed the trophy with a 13–7 victory after losing it the previous two years.
Name Continuity
In 2023, Union College changed its athletic nickname from "Dutchmen and Dutchwomen" to "Garnet Chargers." Despite this change, Union's athletic communications director confirmed that the trophy would retain the name "Dutchman Shoes Trophy" and continue to be awarded annually to the winner of the Union-RPI game.
