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WICHITA, Kan. — The University of Tulsa and Wichita State University have announced the creation of a rivalry series competition that will span 13 varsity sports in its inaugural year, both schools' athletic departments announced jointly Wednesday.

Fans will be able to select the name of the rivalry series through voting on social media. The voting polls will open on August 16 and run through August 20. The three names to choose from will be: Battle for the Plains, Tornado Alley Tussle and Havoc in the Heartland. VOTE HERE

Points will be awarded for head-to-head regular-season victories in volleyball, basketball and softball or a higher finish at conference championships in cross country, tennis, track & field and women's golf. The trophy, which is being created, will be awarded to the school with the most points at the end of each Academic Year.

With 66 points being awarded, the official tiebreaker for the rivalry series will be the annual Graduation Success Rate, which is announced by the NCAA each year.

A Most Valuable Player award will also be announced following each regular-season matchup in volleyball and men's and women's basketball and at the conclusion of the three-game softball series.

"Joining the American Athletic Conference has given us the opportunity to create this series and renew the rivalry with the University of Tulsa," said Darron Boatright, Wichita State Director of Athletics. "Given the close proximity of our two institutions, alumni, parents, students and fans will never have to travel far to see these outstanding matchups. Our student-athletes and coaches are already looking forward to the opportunity to win the inaugural rivalry series."

Just 181 miles separate the two schools that were Missouri Valley Conference rivals from 1945 to 1996. The men's basketball rivalry dates back to the 1930-31 season and the two teams have met 126 times on the hardwood. The Shockers lead the series 65-61.

The rivalry was reignited on July 1, 2017 when Wichita State joined the American Athletic Conference.

"We are excited to add a regional rivalry to our league competition as the addition of Wichita State certainly enhances the American Athletic Conference's national brand, while allowing fans of both schools a shorter travel distance to support their team," said Dr. Derrick Gragg, Tulsa's vice-president and director of athletics. "A rivalry series between our two universities makes perfect sense due to the geographical location and the great tradition between the two schools dating back to the first competition in 1928."

Participating sports for the upcoming year will be volleyball, cross country, basketball, tennis, indoor and outdoor track & field, softball and women's golf. Sixty-six points in 13 sports will be up for grabs.

The first contest of the inaugural series will take place in Wichita on Sunday, October 15, when volleyball takes center stage for the rivalry's kick-off.

In other fall events, the cross country teams will meet at the American Athletic Conference Championship in Philadelphia, Pa. on Oct. 28, while the volleyball teams will meet again in Tulsa on Nov. 17.

Scoring
 
Men's Basketball – 6 points
3 points for each of 2 games
 
Women's Basketball – 6 points
3 points for each of 2 games
 
Men's Cross Country – 6 points
6 points to higher finisher at AAC Championship
 
Women's Cross Country – 6 points
6 points to higher finisher at AAC Championship
 
Women's Golf – 6 points
6 points to higher finisher at AAC Championship
 
Softball – 6 points
2 points for each of 3 games
 
Men's Tennis – 6 points
6 points to head-to-head winner or higher finish at AAC Championship
 
Women's Tennis – 6 points
6 points to head-to-head winner or higher finish at AAC Championship
 
Men's Track and Field – 6 points
3 points to higher finish at AAC Indoor and Outdoor Championship
 
Women's Track and Field – 6 points
3 points to higher finish at AAC Indoor and Outdoor Championship
 
Volleyball – 6 points
3 points for each of 2 matches
 
*NCAA Graduation Success Rate to serve as tiebreaker
 
*TU does not sponsor: Men's Golf, Baseball
*WSU does not sponsor: Football, Men's and Women's Soccer, Women's Rowing
 
*NCAA Postseason competition is not included in rivalry series