FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The athletic departments of Eureka College and Westminster College today announced the creation of the Berlin Wall Bowl, a new nonconference football rivalry believed to be the only collegiate game inspired by the history of the Cold War and fall of the Berlin Wall.
The two institutions share a unique, historic connection through former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, U.S. President Ronald Reagan and original sections of the Berlin Wall displayed on their campuses.
The inaugural Berlin Wall Bowl will be played Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at McKinzie Field on the campus of Eureka College in Eureka, Illinois. The rivalry will feature the Eureka College Red Devils and Westminster College Blue Jays, with the winner earning possession of the newly created Berlin Wall Bowl trophy.
A Rivalry Rooted in History
Few collegiate rivalries can trace their origins to events that reshaped world history.
- 1946: Churchill delivered his historic “The Sinews of Peace,” or “Iron Curtain,” speech at Westminster, defining the emerging Cold War and calling for unity in defense of freedom.
- 1982: Reagan delivered Eureka College’s commencement address and spoke about the concept for START, or the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty.
- 1987: Reagan delivered the speech in West Germany at the Brandenburg Gate where he said, “Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. … Tear down this wall!”
- 1989: The Berlin Wall fell, symbolizing the collapse of communist rule in Eastern Europe and the beginning of a new era.
- 1990: Reagan dedicated Westminster’s Breakthrough sculpture, featuring eight contiguous, original sections of the Berlin Wall, by artist Edwina Sandys, Churchill’s granddaughter.
- 1991: Reagan returned to his alma mater, Eureka College, to deliver a major address calling for continued leadership in reducing nuclear arms.
- Today: Eureka College preserves an original section of the Berlin Wall in its Reagan Peace Garden, while Westminster is home to the nation’s largest contiguous display of original Berlin Wall sections, adjacent to ANCM.
“The Berlin Wall Bowl transcends football,” said Timothy Riley, Sandra L. and Monroe E. Trout Director and Chief Curator of ANCM. “It celebrates two institutions whose histories intersect with defining moments of the 20th century. By connecting Churchill’s warning about the ‘iron curtain,’ Reagan’s leadership in bringing the Cold War to a peaceful conclusion and the enduring symbolism of the Berlin Wall, this rivalry reminds a new generation that freedom, courage and principled leadership remain essential values today.”
Sara Shaw, Eureka College’s Director of Athletics, said the game provides an exceptional opportunity to showcase both institutions.
“We are truly excited to host the inaugural Berlin Wall Bowl and welcome Westminster, its alumni and visitors to our campus,” Shaw said. “This rivalry highlights not only our football programs but also the remarkable historical connection shared by our colleges.”
Reagan, a 1932 graduate of Eureka College, was an All-American lineman (right guard) for the Red Devils.
Dr. Jessica Brown, Westminster College’s Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, noted that Westminster looks forward to hosting the second Berlin Wall Bowl in 2027, when the 2026 champion will defend the trophy.
“Both the Red Devils and the Blue Jays are respected NCAA Division III programs that compete with a championship mindset while reflecting the values of small colleges where character, leadership and sportsmanship remain central to the student-athlete experience,” Brown said. “Westminster is thrilled to partner with Eureka on this exciting new tradition.”
Supporters of both colleges, alumni, members of the Reagan Society, Reagan Fellow alumni, Churchill communities and media representatives are encouraged to attend the inaugural Berlin Wall Bowl and celebrate a rivalry that honors athletic competition while commemorating one of history’s greatest victories for freedom.
Watch the primary and athletic websites of both Eureka College and Westminster College for new information on activities and special events related to the Berlin Wall Bowl. And follow both colleges’ social media accounts for updates.
ABOUT THE RED DEVILS AND EUREKA COLLEGE: The Eureka College Red Devils sponsor 18 varsity teams, with 17 competing at the NCAA Division III level as members of the Saint Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference. Men’s volleyball is a member of the National Collegiate Volleyball Federation. Located on nearly 70 wooded acres in Eureka, Illinois, and chartered in 1855, Eureka College cultivates excellence in learning, service and leadership while providing students with uniquely personalized educational opportunities. Eureka College holds the unique distinction of being the first college in Illinois — and among the first in the nation — to admit men and women on an equal basis. The College, originally founded by abolitionist members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), is the smallest of colleges and universities to ever award a bachelor’s degree to a future President of the United States. Learn more at eureka.edu.
ABOUT THE BLUE JAYS AND WESTMINSTER COLLEGE: The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, sponsors 22 varsity teams competing in NCAA Division III as members of the Saint Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and Upper Midwest Athletic Conference. Founded in 1851 and renowned as the site of Winston Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speech, Westminster was named one of The Princeton Review’s 2026 “Best Colleges in the Midwest” and is recognized by the Higher Learning Commission for its leadership in civic learning and democratic engagement. More than 90% of graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months, and alumni rank in the top 16% nationally for earnings. Missouri’s only national liberal arts college, Westminster prepares students to make a meaningful impact. Learn more at WCMO.edu.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: At Eureka College, contact Austin Woodside, Director of Sports Information, at 309-467-6377 or awoodside@eureka.edu; or Melody Crickman, Director of Marketing & Strategic Communications, at 702-444-1940 or mcrickman@eureka.edu.
At Westminster College, contact Sarah Backer, Director of Media Relations, at 573-220-9038 or Sarah.Backer@WCMO.edu; or Tyler Oberlag, Sports Information Director, at Tyler.Oberlag@WCMO.edu or 573-220-7588.
Sarah Rummel Backer is the Director of Media Relations and Senior Writer at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. A proud Westminster graduate, Sarah has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and strategic communications in the areas of higher education, medicine, agriculture, and the private business sector.
