Williamsburg, Va. - In an exciting new initiative, the athletics departments from the College of William and Mary and Old Dominion University will partner with title sponsor, Optima Health, to launch the Optima Health Challenge for the coming athletics year.

The Optima Health Challenge will be a running score of all the direct competitions between the two Colonial Athletic Association schools, with a champion being named at the end of the athletic season and receiving the Optima Health Trophy.

Additionally, the teams' football game this November will be known as the "Battle for the Silver Mace", with the winner being presented with a replica of the historical Norfolk Mace currently on display in the Chrysler Museum of Art. 

"The Optima Health Challenge will add an exciting new chapter to a long and competitive rivalry between two great schools and athletics programs," said William and Mary Athletics Director, Terry Driscoll.  "With a history that dates back to 1893 and includes a conference-best 102 total CAA titles, the William and Mary athletics program boasts one of the state's longest and proudest athletics traditions.  Partnering with Optima Health and Old Dominion University will give fans of both schools even more incentive to follow every result through all the competitive seasons."

The scoring system will award 10 points for the overall winner in every regular season ODU-W&M athletic competition (for instance, in football, the winner of the Nov. 12th matchup will receive 10 points; in baseball, the winner of the regular season three-game series will receive 10 points).

A total of 140 points (10 points for Football, 10 points for MBB, 10 points for WBB, and 10 points per 11 Olympic Sports) will be awarded for 2011-12.  The winning school will be the first to tally 75 points.

Optima Health provides health plan coverage to more than 415,000 members throughout Virginia. Optima, based out of Virginia Beach, Va., offers a broad spectrum of innovative products and service solutions designed for employers, employees and their families.