MANITOWOC Wis.— The S.S. Badger car ferry, which connects Ludington, Michigan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin, birthed an unlikely relationship. 

The ferry launched in 1953. Now, 68 years later, two towns 60 miles apart just competed at the inaugural Car Ferry Cup. 

“Ludington and Manitowoc and the car ferry just are synonymous,” said Chris Callen, Manitowoc High School soccer coach.

Callen said he's been thinking about a match against Ludington for a few years. Just recently his vision came to life.

“What I had envisioned back in the day is finally coming out,” said Callen. “We’re finally seeing it and that’s pretty exciting for me.”

When game day finally rolled around for the first Car Ferry Cup, Callen watched the S.S. Badger pull into port. The team from Ludington made a four-hour trip to compete.

“Once I saw the ferry come in the harbor today, I knew this was on,” said Callen. “It was a good moment.”

Rainstorms throughout the day made the ferry ride a little more interesting. The Ludington soccer team, coaches and family made the most of the rougher waters.

“It was pretty nice. It was a little wavy at first but it was pretty fun, especially with the team and everything,” said Kyle Wendt, a Ludington soccer player.

Right after the S.S. Badger docked, the first thing to come to shore was the Ludington school bus.

“That was a definite first because normally you just come off it and you wait for your car but coming off it on the bus, I was surprised,” said Tiler Marrison, Ludington's goalkeeper.

Callen arranged for Luxemburg-Casco to join the fun as well, giving Ludington another game to play while they were in town.

“I think it’s just a cool experience for the players,” said Cory Romdenne, Luxemburg-Casco's soccer coach. “Throughout the years you’ve played all the teams in your area. To play somebody from a different state is a neat thing for them.”

Ludington squad fared well against both home-state teams.

They defeated Luxemburg-Casco and then turned around and took out Manitowoc to claim the first-ever Ferry Cup.

Plans are already in motion for Ludington to host the Car Ferry Cup next year.

“Hopefully this grows into something that people look forward to,” said Chris Anderson, Ludington High School soccer coach. “Maybe it will be more of an event where people will plan on traveling over from both schools and kind of get a good fan base and an opportunity for you to experience both communities.”

Callen has never ridden the S.S. Badger but he is ready to make the trip with his team to try and reclaim the trophy.