The battle for one of the most unique but positive trophies in college sports is shifting from the gridiron to the volleyball court this season.
Because Minnesota and Nebraska don’t play each other in football this year, the schools’ volleyball programs are taking the reins in the battle for the Bits of Broken Chair Trophy.
Started in 2014 after a friendly exchange on social media, trophy has gone from a silly creation into a friendly competition to benefit local charities connected to each university.
Every year, fans are asked to donate $5 — or more, if they choose — to support the organization connected to their school — Team Jack Foundation for Nebraska and Team One Four for Minnesota.
Team Jack works to raise money for pediatric brain cancer research, inspired by Jack Hoffman, who suited up for the Huskers and scored a memorable touchdown in the program’s 2013 spring game .
Team One Four, named in honor of former Gopher Casey O’Brien, a seven-time cancer survivor who wore No. 14 and is again battling cancer, is working to raise money to upgrade the infusion center at M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital.