On January 24, school spirit and service collided at the MVP Arena as Union College and RPI faced off in the annual Mayor's Cup. While the rivalry on the ice was intense, the true victory came from the community impact made through the Face-Off Against Hunger competition.
Union's Men's Hockey team defeated RPI for the fifth consecutive year, while the Women's Hockey team secured their second straight Mayor's Cup win, electrifying the crowd and continuing a proud tradition. But beyond the scoreboard, Union once again claimed a major win off the ice-collecting 819 pounds of food, compared to RPI's 352 pounds, for a combined total of 1,171 pounds donated to fight food insecurity.This marks Union's second consecutive year winning the Face-Off Against Hunger. Collected food goes to theFood Pantries For The Capital District, an organization that works directly with food providers across the region to meet specific needs.
Leaving the Community Better Than We Found It
Senior Isaiah Russell '26, leader of Union's Community Service House, emphasized that the Mayor's Cup is about more than competition.
"Coming to Schenectady makes me realize that when you come into a place, you should leave it better than you found it," Russell shared. "Helping the community around campus is what the Mayor's Cup does."
Russell works closely with the Kenney Center to coordinate volunteer schedules and food donations, ensuring the Hunger Face-Off runs smoothly throughout both the women's and men's games. Volunteers arrive early, collect donations as fans enter, and tally results midway through the men's game-creating an all-day effort rooted in teamwork and generosity.
Student Leadership in Action
In his second year volunteering, Russell continues to lead by example. In addition to his role with Community Service House, he serves as co-president of MAMBA (Men Assertively Manifesting Bold Alliances), an organization dedicated to empowering men of color at predominantly white institutions, a member of the Football team, the Black Student Union, the NAACP, and is the Class of 2026 President.
The event is a collective effort, supported by student organizations, community service leaders, and even alumni who returned to volunteer after graduating-proof of how deeply this tradition resonates.
A Rivalry Win That Matters
Winning against RPI always means something-but winning while fighting hunger makes it even sweeter.
"It's a big win to fight hunger and beat RPI," Russell said. "They're our biggest rivals, so it goes down in my book as a great win."
With passion, leadership, and a commitment to service, Union College's Mayor's Cup continues to stand as a powerful reminder that rivalry can fuel something greater-community impact that lasts far beyond the final buzzer.
