In 1910 the UT Cooperative Bookstore presented to the university a large silver loving cup to be used as a stimulus for interclass athletics. The freshman, sophomore, junior (including junior law), and senior (including senior law) classes could compete for the honor of having their names engraved upon the cup, which was ensconced on a pedestal in the Carnegie Library. The cup was awarded based on scheduled games in football, basketball, baseball, and at least one track meet. The points were elaborately and carefully devised by a committee of students and faculty.
Every member of the class (unless the student was in the class for the second year) who had not been awarded the “T” in that particular branch of athletics or was not playing with the varsity that season was eligible to play on the class teams. “Special” students were not allowed to play on any team, but graduate students were allowed to play on senior teams.