The rivalry between Otterbein University and Capital University can be traced back to canoe races held on Alum Creek in the late 19th century. Undoubtedly the close proximity of the two schools was one of the major causes of the rivalry. As organized sports entered university life in the early 20th century the rivalry between the two schools grew hotter, and in 1950 it boiled over into tragedy. In the late 20th century academic prowess and community outreach were figured into the rivalry, cooling the contest to an acceptable level. Today the rivalry is celebrated more often with tee-shirts mocking the other school than through acts of vandalism and destruction.