Texas A&M University–San Antonio and Texas A&M University–Victoria are set to begin a spirited new rivalry within the Texas A&M University System, officially branded the Battle of the Big Cats. The competition will bring Jaguars vs. Jaguars to the field, the golf course and beyond, as the two universities meet across multiple sports throughout the year in an effort to ultimately win the Jaguar Cup.
The rivalry kicked off on Monday, Oct. 6, when both universities’ men’s golf teams competed in The Battle in the Desert golf tournament. The series will continue later in the month with a soccer doubleheader hosted by A&M–San Antonio on Thursday, Oct. 23, at the A&M–San Antonio Soccer Field. The women’s match begins at 1 p.m., followed by the men’s match at 3:30 p.m.
“We are thrilled to launch the Battle of the Big Cats and to build a spirited rivalry with our fellow Jaguars from A&M-Victoria,” said Dr. Darnell Smith, athletics director at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. “This series will showcase the talent and dedication of our student-athletes, while creating new traditions that energize our campus community, alumni, and fans. Rivalries are at the heart of college athletics, and we are excited to see this one grow for years to come.”
Future matchups between the two Jaguar programs will include softball giving fans more opportunities to experience the excitement of this new rivalry.
“I’m excited to begin this NAIA rivalry within the A&M System,” said Ashley Walyuchow, director of athletics at Texas A&M University–Victoria. “We’ve had a history of good, clean competition against each other, and I expect that same level of competitiveness moving forward — but kicked up a notch in the Battle of the Big Cats. I’m confident A&M–Victoria will come out on top in this inaugural rivalry season.”
Fans are encouraged to attend the inaugural soccer doubleheader and witness the beginning of what promises to be a long-standing rivalry where pride is on the line.
The Jaguars will start the rivalry series with: