MELBOURNE, Fla. –Florida Institute of Technology and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University are proud to announce the launch of the Kármán Clash, a new annual rivalry series designed to honor athletic excellence, celebrate aerospace heritage, and strengthen the connection between the two institutions.

At the center of the series is the Kármán Cup/Trophy, named after world-renowned aerospace scientist Professor Theodore von Kármán. His groundbreaking work defined the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary between Earth's atmosphere and outer space. Much like von Kármán's pursuit of reaching new heights, the rivalry embodies the commitment of both universities to push boundaries in athletics, academics, and innovation.

"We are thrilled to announce the establishment of the Kármán Clash, a rivalry that has been decades in the making between two of the nation's premier technological universities," said Florida Tech Director of Athletics Jamie Joss. "The rivalry between Florida Tech and Embry-Riddle has always existed in athletic competitions and in the classroom. Now, through partnership with Dr. Burleson, we're formalizing it in a way that celebrates everything both institutions represent: excellence in athletics, academic achievement, and service to our communities. The Kármán Clash isn't just about winning athletic contests; it's about embodying the spirit of innovation and the relentless pursuit of greatness that defines both our universities.

"Our scholar-athletes understand they're competing for something greater than a trophy. They're representing institutions that have shaped the future of technology, aviation, and space exploration. This rivalry will showcase the incredible talent, sportsmanship, and camaraderie that exists between two schools united by a shared mission to push the limits of what's possible. We can't wait to see our Panthers and the Eagles compete for this historic honor and continue building the legacy that Professor von Kármán would be proud of."

Throughout each academic year, Florida Tech and Embry-Riddle will face off in a series of head-to-head competitions across varsity sports. These matchups will include men's and women's soccer, women's volleyball, men's rowing, men's cross country, men's and women's basketball, baseball, softball, men's and women's lacrosse, and men's outdoor track. Baseball and softball winners will be determined by season series victors, while men's cross-country and Track results will be based on head-to-head placement at the Sunshine State Conference Championships. Men's rowing will be determined by the results at the Florida Intercollegiate Rowing Association (FIRA) Regatta.

"The launch of the Kármán Clash represents a defining moment for Embry-Riddle and Florida Tech athletics," Embry-Riddle Director of Athletics Dr. Rachel Burleson said. "This rivalry is more than a series of competitions; it's a celebration of two institutions bound by a shared legacy."
 
"The Kármán Clash will not only fuel competitive essence, but it will also bring our campuses, alumni, and communities together in a way that inspires pride and connection. We look forward to building this tradition with Florida Tech, and we're excited for our Eagles to take the field, court, and water in pursuit of this historic trophy."

In each competition, the winning team will receive a mini Kármán Cup/Trophy to commemorate their victory. At the end of the academic year, the school with the most head-to-head wins will be awarded the perpetual Kármán Cup/Trophy, which will be passed between the two institutions annually.

A joint committee comprised of representatives from both schools will manage event logistics, establish rules, and oversee the design of the trophies, which incorporate aerospace and aerodynamic elements. Each year will conclude with an official trophy presentation ceremony, recognizing the overall winner and celebrating the athletes whose performances brought the Kármán Clash to life.

Professor Theodore von Kármán (1881–1963) was a pioneering aerospace engineer and physicist whose contributions to aerodynamics and astronautics shaped modern aerospace science. His identification of the Kármán line, located 100 kilometers above Earth, remains the standard boundary between atmosphere and space.
 

Sport	Events Per Year	Weight	Max Points
Baseball	3	0.667	2
Men's Basketball	2	1	2
Women's Basketball	2	1	2
Men's Cross Country	1	2	2
Men's Lacrosse	1	2	2
Women's Lacrosse	1	2	2
Men's Rowing	1	2	2
Men's Soccer	1	2	2
Women's Soccer	1	2	2
Softball	3	0.667	2
Men's Outdoor Track	1	2	2
Department GPA	2	2	4
Community Service (avg/PP)	1	4	4