How the Duckworth Challenge Began
The Duckworth Challenge was started by the late Dr. Henry E. Duckworth (president of the University of Winnipeg from 1971-81 and Chancellor of the University of Manitoba from 1986-92) in an effort to profile the intense but friendly cross-town rivalry between the University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba. It originated in the 1991-92 season.
The Format
What makes the Duckworth Challenge unique is the format. Events are held at both universities in Winnipeg, and involve the sports of volleyball, basketball and now women's soccer. Each year the venue for the sports is alternated.
Duckworth Challenge Stats
Bisons' Duckworth Record
In the 2023-24 season, Manitoba won the Duckworth Challenge trophy 3-2 in games between the two schools. Overall, Manitoba's Duckworth Challenge 32-year record in all games stands at: 77-64-3 with the Bisons’ breakdown in women's soccer matches at 8-0-2; basketball games record at 24-40 (8-24 in women’s; 16-16 in men’s) and volleyball matches record at 44-20 (22-10 in women’s; 22-10 in men’s).
Duckworth Challenge "Firsts"
The first games of the challenge were played on January 25, 1992 at the University of Manitoba (Bison East Gym), with Bison women's basketball winning 76-74 and Bison men's basketball beating the Wesmen 99-66. In the volleyball matches, Manitoba beat Winnipeg 3-0 in women's and 3-2 in men's action for the first sweep.
Sweeps at the Duckworth Challenge?
Four total so far – Manitoba with three times in 1991-92 (4-0), 2009-10 (4-0) and in 2013-14 (5-0) – first-ever time for a 5-0 sweep; Winnipeg in 1992-93 (4-0)
The First Duckworth Challenge Soccer Match
With Winnipeg joining women's soccer in conference play, the two universities made the Duckworth Challenge into a competition of five games over three sports with the winner of the title in a best three out of five. If the soccer match ends up in a tie, the Duckworth Challenge will revert back to the tie-breaking formula if needed. Manitoba won 2-0 at home on Saturday. September 20, 2013 in the first match of women's soccer included in the Duckworth Challenge.
Non-conference, preseason matches in 2009-10
For the first time and only time in the Duckworth Challenge history, the basketball and volleyball games were part of the non-conference, pre-season schedule for both university teams during the 2009-10 edition.
Duckworth Challenge Title History
Manitoba: 19 (counting three ties)
Winnipeg: 13 (counting four ties)
2023-24: Manitoba (3-2)
2022-23: Winnipeg (4-1)
2021-22: Manitoba (3-2)
2019-20: (Winnipeg 3-2)
2018-19: (Winnipeg 3-2)
2017-18: (Tie 2-2-1) - Winnipeg retains trophy
2016-17: Manitoba (3-1-1)
2015-16: (Manitoba 3-2)
2014-15: (Manitoba 3-2)
2013-14: (Manitoba 5-0)
2012-13: (Winnipeg 3-1)
2011-12: (Tie 2-2) - Manitoba retains trophy
2010-11: (Manitoba 3-1)
2009-10: (Manitoba 4-0)
2008-09: (Winnipeg 3-1)
2007-08: (Tie 2-2) - Winnipeg retains trophy
2006-07: (Tie 2-2) - Winnipeg retains trophy
2005-06: (Tie 2-2) - Winnipeg retains trophy
2004-05: (Winnipeg 3-1)
2003-04: (Manitoba 3-1)
2002-03: (Tie 2-2) - Manitoba retains trophy
2001-02: (Tie 2-2) - Manitoba retains trophy
2000-01: (Manitoba 3-1)
1999-2000: (Manitoba 3-1)
1998-99: (Manitoba 3-1)
1997-98: (Manitoba 3-1)
1996-97: (Manitoba 3-1)
1995-96: (Winnipeg 3-1)
1994-95: (Manitoba 3-1)
1993-94: (Winnipeg 3-1)
1992-93: (Winnipeg 4-0)
1991-1992: (Manitoba 4-0)
Tie-Breaker Info
A tie-breaker process was implemented in 2009-10. For one of the universities to win the event, one school seeks to win a minimum of three of the five games played. The tie-breaking formula will be used only if the women's soccer match ends in a tie. The tie-breaker was first used in the 2011-12 season and most recently in 2017-18.
Tie-Breaker Process
- The volleyball matches will be scored on a five points per set won basis, and the basketball games plus women's soccer will be scored on an every point counts basis.
- Whichever university is ahead on the points would win the tie-breaker.
- If the points end up as a tie, the Duckworth Challenge title remains with the defending champion.
