Back at the Bell
For 130 years, the Monon Bell Classic has embodied the “Wabash Always Fights” spirit. As campus prepares to host the 131st rivalry matchup Saturday, students and alumni reminisce about a tradition that transcends generations of Little Giants.
Olmy Olmstead ’04 (right) carried the 300-pound bell with the help of two teammates following Wabash’s 2003 victory over Depauw.
Now an assistant coach, Olmstead embraced Dane Smith ’22, celebrating the Little Giants’ Monon Bell Classic win in 2021.
Another hug for Thomas Bolen ’21. Coach Olmstead loves his O-Line.
Matthew “Kip” Chase ’03 attended his first Monon Bell Classic as a sophomore in 2000. "There were a few years I lived outside of the U.S. and couldn’t attend, but our family made it a point to get back to the game every other year, whether at Wabash or Depauw,” he said.
“This year I have 3 nephews playing, so to see Kannon, Konner, and Kenton suit up together will be a great memory,” Chase said. “Next year I’ll have a son at Wabash and on the team, so I have no doubt those games will even increase in meaning and memories for us.”
Jackson Gilbert ’28 and his dad, Head Football Coach Jake Gilbert ’98, before the 2024 Monon Bell Classic. This was Jake’s first year back on the coaching staff as defensive coordinator and Jackson’s first year as a player.
Over a decade earlier, Jackson (left) saw the bell up close for the first time along with his brothers, Logan and Tyson.
Future Little Giants Tanner Quackenbush ’26 (left) and Grant ’21 (center) attended the 2014 Monon Bell Classic with their older brother, Brady ’18 (right), who was a freshman at the time.
Eleven years later, Quackenbush is the president of the Sphinx Club and a proud uncle to Brady’s daughter. “Going into this game brings bittersweet feelings,” he said. “I reminisce on the amount of love and time I’ve put into this college during my time here, as well as the help and support I’ve gotten from my family growing up. I stand on the shoulders of Little Giants, and I would not be in the position I am today without them. I am thankful and excited, let’s win the Bell!”