The Lion’s Roar / Larshell Green
After rain threats subsided, Greek organizations got their head in the game and competed in nail biting brief battles of rope burn, rivalry and weather. The Tug-O-War compeition is an annual event held during Greek Week. Zeta Phi Beta, Phi Mu and Theta Xi (above) placed third in the competition.

Although looming clouds hovered over Strawberry Stadium, the Greek Games went on without a hitch.

On Wednesday, Mar. 9 at 5:30 p.m., the annual Greek photo was scheduled to be taken, along with Tug-O-War following after. 

After the Greek photo was taken, amid light drizzling, the Tug-O-War competition began. Both females and males of Greek organizations competed in teeth gritting, brief battles.

The participating teams went against each other in groups of two, in several rounds of back and forth duels. After every Greek organization participated once, intense elimination rounds were held to determine winners.

Three teams obtained victory during the ‘Decades’ themed Greek Week. 

The first place winners of this year’s Tug-O-War competition were Theta Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta (‘90s).

Alpha Omicron Pi and Theta Chi (‘70s) placed second.

The third place winners were Phi Mu, Theta Xi and Zeta Phi Beta (‘80s). 

Junior history major and Theta Phi Alpha sorority member Danielle Savoie experienced her first Tug-O-War competition after being chosen by members of her chapter to participate.

“I just kind of got into the zone,” said Savoie. “We’re really excited. We don’t win a lot, so when we do win, we kind of treasure it.”

Junior social studies education major and Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity member Riley Trisler mentioned how his physique and mental preparation helped him excel in the challenge.

“I’m the biggest guy in Pi Kappa Alpha, so they thought that I would do quite well,” said Trisler. “I got into the mindset of winning, so that’s half the battle right there.”

Trisler remained excited about the current victory, as well as the success that his team has been experiencing throughout Greek Week.

“I’m stoked,” said Trisler. “I’m pretty excited. We’re doing well in Greek Week, so that’s one more to top it off.”

Senior accounting major Michelle Doescher and Theta Phi Alpha sorority member described how she enjoyed her team’s victory during her third Greek Week.  

“I’m so excited,” said Doescher. “That was so much fun watching and cheering them on.”

According to Order of Omega President Harli Manuel, the change in venue for Tug-O-War proved to be better for the competition.

“It helped a lot to have the Rec center referee it,” said Manuel. “It works a lot better having it on the field in Strawberry Stadium than in Greek Village, so I’m glad Order of Omega made that switch this year.”

Although the events went as planned, Manuel remained both curious and optimistic about the weather’s influence on the remainder of the Greek events.

“We did a little rain dance and the rain held out on us, so hopefully, things go well the rest of the week,” said Manuel.