The Illibuck Trophy, awarded annually to the victor of the collegiate football rivalry between the University of Illinois and Ohio State University, is represented by a wooden turtle named Illibuck. The tradition began in nineteen twenty-seven when senior honor societies from both institutions decided to replace a previous live animal mascot tradition with a sturdy wooden carving of a turtle, specifically chosen to symbolize longevity, enduring stability, and the long-standing friendly athletic competition between the two midwestern universities.