New competition ups rivalry between Va. Tech and UVa

The longstanding rivalry between Virginia Tech and Virginia is getting a new name— the Commonwealth Clash presented by Virginia529. Building on a tradition started when the two schools first competed against each other in a football game in 1895, the Commonwealth Clash is a head-to-head, points-based competition between the athletic teams at the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech.

The competition will include the 21 sports in which the two schools compete against each other, plus one fan-decided point.

At the end of each school year, the institution with the most points will be crowned the champion of the Commonwealth Clash.

“Student-athletes from all sports will have an equally important role in earning the Commonwealth Clash, making it a yearlong competition,” said Whit Babcock, director of athletics at Virginia Tech. “The fan element adds an exciting new concept to this rivalry and will enable our supporters to help determine the final result.” 

“The Commonwealth Clash continues a great athletic rivalry between the ‘Hoos and the Hokies,” said UVa director of athletics Craig Littlepage. “Sports aren’t the only tradition the two schools share. Both have set high standards in academics which make Virginia529 a fitting sponsor for the rivalry competition.”

The schools’ academic reputations, along with the loyalty of their alumni, drew Virginia529 College Savings Plan (Virginia529) to the competition. The state agency, which worked with the two schools to develop the Commonwealth Clash, has been helping people save for college since 1996.

“Virginia Tech and Virginia are the two largest recipients of funds from Virginia529 accounts, so we know their alumni and fans are dedicated to higher education,” said Mary Morris, Virginia529 CEO. “Supporting this friendly competition gives us an opportunity to remind the parents and grandparents of future Hokies and Cavaliers about avoiding student loan debt by saving in tax-advantaged Virginia529 accounts in advance.”

Fans can learn about the point system, get news on upcoming games and follow the teams’ standings at TheCommonwealthClash.com. The newly-created website also offers exclusive opportunities such as live chats with head coaches and the Tuition Toss, where contestants have a shot at winning a $52,900 Virginia529 account.

The first rivalry event is set for Sept.12 in Charlottesville when the men’s soccer teams from both schools meet at Klockner Stadium. A complete schedule and game previews will be linked at TheCommonwealthClash.com.

About Virginia529 College Savings Plan:
Virginia529 is a 529 college savings plan that offers flexible, affordable, tax-advantaged savings for qualified higher education expenses through its four programs: Virginia529 prePAID SM (prePAID SM), Virginia529 inVEST SM (inVEST SM), CollegeAmerica® and CollegeWealth®. Nearly $53 billion in assets under management and 2.3 million accounts as of June 30, 2014 make Virginia529 the largest 529 plan available. For more information on Virginia529’s college savings options, visit Virginia529.com or call 1-888-567-0540 to obtain program materials. These include information on Virginia529 programs, investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other important information; read and consider them carefully before investing. All investments are subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest.