Galesburg, IL - The Prairie Fire soccer teams have their eyes on a new prize when they meet MacMurray College on Wednesday in Jacksonville.

Knox and MacMurray formalized an agreement in August to play annual matches between the women’s and men’s soccer teams, with the winner taking possession of the traveling Ferris Trophy.

The name of the trophy was chosen because of the connections both Jacksonville and Galesburg have to the Ferris Wheel. 

George Ferris, the inventor of the Ferris Wheel, is a Galesburg native whose family was instrumental in the founding of Knox College. 

The Eli Bridge Company in Jacksonville first made a portable version of the Ferris Wheel in 1900 and is the longest producer of the popular amusement ride.  Eli Bridge still makes the Ferris Wheel today.

The first Ferris Trophy match-up is in Jacksonville.  It will be held in Galesburg in 2013 and then alternate locations each year.

The first contest between the Prairie Fire and the Highlanders is the women’s match at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday.  The men’s match is scheduled to follow at 4:00 p.m.

The Knox football team plays for two traveling trophies during the fall sports season.  The Prairie Fire meets Eureka College for the Abraham Lincoln Trophy and Monmouth College for the Bronze Turkey Trophy.

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