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BOONE, N.C. — Two neighboring universities are joined by a strong rivalry. A rivalry tracing back to 1932.

A rivalry known today as “The Battle For the Old Mountain Jug”. Every year, the Mountaineers of Appalachian State University face off against the Catamounts of Western Carolina University to see who can claim ownership rights to the historic Old Mountain Jug.

But what's the true history behind the jug? We asked Appalachian State University Students to find out if they knew the true story.

“I don't know. I really have no idea,” said Carlos Adams, Appalachian State Sophomore.

Despite the large fan base that come out to see the Mountaineers take on the
Catamounts annually, most students that spoke with News 14 Carolina had a similar response to Adams. We found out the history behind the jug and discovered that 44 years after the first kickoff between the rival schools, in 1976 the Old Mountain Jug came into play.

It was an idea created by both schools' sports information directors. The first jug, a representation of a moonshine jug, was donated by Roby Triplet, manager of the ASU Bookstore. After ASU lost the Battle for the Jug in 1984 at Kid Brewer Stadium, they have yet to lose to another in-state opponent at home.

Since the official start of the Battle for the Old Mountain jug rivalry, Appalachian State leads the series 27-7. On October 23 the Mountaineers hope to make that record 28-7 when they travel to Whitmire Stadium in Cullowhee. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.