Competition and Camaraderie: Intersociety Rope-Pull

What do Homecoming Weekend, an extremely large rope, and a sea of Alpha Omega (AΩ), Kappa Zetta Chi (KZX), and Lambda Alpha Sigma (ΛAΣ) members signify? Must be time for some rope-pull!

AΩ members Paul Christopherson and Chris Roberts pull agains ΛAΣ. Photo credit: Carly Robinson

As the end of the spring semester draws near, the three main fraternal societies on campus gathered on opposite ends of the pond to once again test what each other are made of. The annual Intersociety Rope-Pull competition has signified the the continuing respect and type of brotherhood that each of the societies have shared with each other for over fifty years. As a physical competition, the rope-pull between AΩ and KZX is also one of the longest on-going rivalry on campus, and the championship pull between the two houses always draws a large crowd of students, alumni, previewers, and their families.

For such a test of strength both physically and mentally, it is not unusual for practice and preparation to begin nearly a year in advance. While the rope-pull can be a test of brute strength, performing will in the competition also entails a variety of strategies which can be seen by closely watching the men of each team while on rope. Upper and lower body strength, ability to dig in and hang on, and weight are considered in competitor placement, while the coordination of resting, pulling, and holding out is essential to endure and gain ground. Each house has a rope-pull captain who is responsible to plan the strategies for each spring semester’s pull and charged with assigning practice times for each house.

ΛAΣ sings a hymn in the pond after being beaten to KZX. Photo credit: Carly Robinson

This year's competition on Saturday, April 14th,  had strong pulls from all three houses, and in the end AΩ was the last team standing on dry ground. One of the most important aspects of a rope-pull is the respect shown towards each of the house’s members. Generations of alumni that gathered for this year’s pull was in anticipation to see how hard each house had trained. Although KZX had an almost entirely new membership, the house pulled extremely well and hopes for an even stronger pull next year.

Overall, the experiences of both participants and onlookers at the annual Intersociety Rope-Pull are fantastic. Everyone’s respect, sportsmanship, camaraderie, and healthy competition are second to none on campus. This is must-see event while at LeTourneau University!

Written by Chris Roberts.