Southwest Virginia Bowl Returns with a Win

Tmahdae Penn '24 makes jumping catch in the SWVA Bowl

After an 11-year hiatus, the Emory & Henry College football team renewed its rivalry with the University of Virginia’s College at Wise in the form of Southwest Virginia Bowl V on Saturday, October 8. It was the first meeting between the two schools with both as members of NCAA Division II and the South Atlantic Conference.

The game was sponsored by Appalachian Orthopedics and brought crowds of nearly 6,000 to Fred Selfe Stadium with scores of others enjoying the day’s festivities from their favorite tailgating locations.

After the Cavaliers took the opening kickoff and returned it for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead, Emory & Henry seized control of the contest, going up 24-7 early in the second half. A third-quarter score by UVA Wise made it a 24-14 contest, but the Wasps closed out the contest with a field goal and a defensive score in the fourth quarter to claim the 34-14 win.

Emory & Henry now leads the series with UVA Wise, 4-1, dating back to its first edition in 1994. The Wasps also claimed victories in 1994, 1995 and 2010, with the Cavaliers’ only win coming in 2011.

The Southwest Virginia Bowl VI will be played at Wise in early October of 2023.

Tmahdae Penn '24 makes jumping catch in the SWVA Bowl

Student section cheers on the Wasps' victory