The Union-Kentucky Wesleyan Rivalry Game

The rivalry between Union College and Kentucky Wesleyan College has had an on-again, off-again kind of relationship.

The first meeting between the two Methodist institutions came in 1928 when Kentucky Wesleyan posted a 60-0 romp over the Bulldogs. However, the next showdown between the two did not occur until 1984 after Union reinstated football following a 42-year hiatus.

In 1985, the John Wesley Trophy was introduced to the series to serve as a traveling trophy to go to the winner of that year's contest. The trophy was named in honor of John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, since both institutions are affiliated with the Methodist Church.

Although, Kentucky Wesleyan won the first two meetings by a combined score of 84-7, Union has dominated the series as it owns an 8-3-1 record.

From 1984-90, Union won 5-1-1 in the seven meetings. The series went on hiatus in 1991 as Kentucky Wesleyan went on to complete in NCAA Division II and were unable to schedule the annual rivalry and Union won that game due to a forfeit. In 2002, the John Wesley Game resumed with KWC returning to NAIA play in football only as Union posted a 26-13 victory. Union won again in 2003, but Kentucky Wesleyan edged Union 16-13 in 2004.

In 2005, the series was halted when the Mid-South Conference split into two divisions and Union and Kentucky Wesleyan were put into separate divisions. Since then, Kentucky Wesleyan has left the MSC and NAIA to become a full member of NCAA Division II.

So, until the series resumes again sometime in the future, Union has won the series, but Kentucky Wesleyan has the John Wesley Trophy.