The Annual Rope Pull pit freshmen against sophomores in an exhibition of class rivalry and good (not always clean) fun. As early as 1919, underclassmen of both sexes met in competition on the Quad. In the early twenties, when the event migrated to Underwood’s Pond—just off campus—women were spared the indignity of mucky water. In the fifties, the rope pull became a fraternity and sorority event.
While little is known about the demise of the Annual Rope Pull, its spirit lives on in modified form at the Annual Oozeball Tournament, now in its 16th year. Every May, students raise funds for endowment by teaming up to play in a mud volleyball tournament, pudding eating and belly flop contests. Getting muddy is once again an equal opportunity experience.
Photos by Historic Images Courtesy Of Uri Archives Special Collections
