The University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University rivalry is unmatched by few and it dates back to the early days. The first competition began with football on January 1, 1894, which was the Lobos’ first competition against another four-year institution. The first basketball game was played on December 22, 1904. The rivalry between the two schools began before the territory of New Mexico became a state in 1912.
The Rio Grande Rivalry was a series between The University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University that encompassed sports for both programs. The Rio Grande Rivalry officially started and was recognized beginning in the 2007-08 academic year. Head to head competition in every sport was used on an annual basis. The series not only was for the current student-athletes competing in the sports but also to build school spirit and pride in the alumni and fans of New Mexico who cheer for the Lobos or the Aggies. The University of New Mexico won the Rio Grande Rivalry every year it was contested. The 2011-12 year was the closet margin of victory with UNM winning 15-13.50. In 2010-11, UNM won 18.75-8.50. The score for 2009-10 was 16.50-10.50 in favor of the Lobos. The score for 2008-09 was 17.25-6.75 in favor of the Lobos. The score for 2007-08 was 16.25-6.75 in favor of the Lobos.
The rivalry series was a points-based system and is awarded to the school with the most points in all competitions. The specific scoring system is listed below for individual and teams sports.
Most years there were 27 points available, meaning a team would need 13.5 points to clinch at least a tie. In some years prior, there were more than 27 points due to extra meetings in baseball or softball, and in 2014-15 and 2015-16, there was no men’s tennis match, meaning only 25.5 points available. In the event of a postponement/cancellation of an event, no points are awarded.
At the conclusion of annual competitions between the two institutions, the winner of the “Rivalry Series” will receive a rotating trophy bearing the inscription of the annual winners. The winning institution will retain possession of the trophy for a period of one (1) year, until the award presentation the following year.
TIE-BREAKER:
Much like the Ryder Cup, the team in possession of the trophy needs only to tie to retain possession. The team that is not in possession must have more points and win it outright.