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Few high school rivalries have stood the test of time as much as the "Battle of the Ax" between the Hillcrest and Brighton wrestling teams.
The 45th annual edition of the storied rivalry will be held Friday at 7 p.m. before what is usually a packed gym at Brighton High School and will feature school mascots and recognition of previous competitors.
When Brighton first opened in 1970, the school was split from Hillcrest. Then Brighton wrestling coach Don Neff conferred with Hillcrest's Tex Casto to create the rivalry and its symbol.
According to Brighton assistant coach Jerry Christensen, the traveling trophy was a long ax handle. The winning team earned the right to paint an orange or green stripe on the handle along with the year.
The rivalry is so old that it is utilizing its fourth ax handle.
Brighton has earned 118 state championships in various sports over its 45-year history. Neff and his young 1972 wrestling team won the first of those in 1972. Neff coached the Bengals to 13 of their 14 stet titles.
Friday's event will recognize all the Brighton and Hillcrest wrestlers and coaches who have participated in the match. Beginning at 6:45, those present will be recognized.
— Tom Wharton