The Paul Bunyan Governor’s Trophy was first presented by then-Governor (and Michigan alum) G. Mennen Williams in 1953 as a means of welcoming Michigan State to the Big Ten Conference. Deemed by many a political publicity stunt, the trophy traveled between Ann Arbor and East Lansing to little fanfare for a few years. However lengthy winning streaks by each school over the years have given Paul a much higher profile. Big Ten pride and tradition is evident today, as winning Spartans or Wolverines are quick to grab Mr. Bunyan and take him home once the clock hits 0:00.
