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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

GALLERY: Skulls defeats TKE, claims Tugs play-in

Aidan Penca
Phi Kappa Sigma fights against Tau Kappa Epsilon in the second rope of the play-in match on Sunday. The Skulls anchor was touched by someone from outside of the pit, causing them to lose the second rope. (Aidan Penca | Northern Star)
By Aidan Penca, Photojournalist
Apr 15, 2026
Fans line the fence to show support for Phi Kappa Sigma during the play-in match against Tau Kappa Epsilon on Sunday. This match was brief as the last two ropes only lasted around three minutes each. (Aidan Penca | Northern Star) (Aidan Penca)
Tau Kappa Epsilon pulls during the third rope in their match against Phi Kappa Sigma on Sunday. Every tugger for TKE stepped out of the pit during this rope, causing them to lose momentum in the matchup. (Aidan Penca | Northern Star) (Aidan Penca)
Tau Kappa Epsilon deliberates following their victory in the second rope against Phi Kappa Sigma during the play-in match on Sunday. Skulls will next face Alpha Sigma Phi at 7 p.m. Friday, moving through the losers bracket after losing to Phi Kappa Psi at 7 p.m. Monday. (Aidan Penca | Northern Star) (Aidan Penca)
Phi Kappa Sigma second rope tuggers strain during the play-in match against Tau Kappa Epsilon on Sunday. Rain began pouring down during their match. (Aidan Penca | Northern Star) (Aidan Penca)
Tau Kappa Epsilon sits back during the second rope against Phi Kappa Sigma in the play-in match on Sunday. This rope concluded the quickest due to Skulls losing by a foul. (Aidan Penca | Northern Star) (Aidan Penca)
Phi Kappa Sigma tuggers sit into the pit during the first pull of the play-in match against Tau Kappa Epsilon on Sunday. Despite being forced into a third rope, Skulls was able to tie up the match after TKE fouled the last rope. (Aidan Penca | Northern Star) (Aidan Penca)
Tau Kappa Epsilon tuggers sit in a low lean during the first rope of the play-in match on Sunday. TKE stepped on the rope, ending the first rope. (Aidan Penca | Northern Star) (Aidan Penca)
Phi Kappa Sigma tuggers walk in for the play-in match against TKE on Sunday. Skulls won the first rope after TKE stepped on the rope. (Aidan Penca | Northern Star) (Aidan Penca)
Tau Kappa Epsilon tuggers stand after their walk out for their match against Phi Kappa Sigma on Sunday. Despite being able to win in the second rope, TKE lost the play-in against Skulls. (Aidan Penca | Northern Star) (Aidan Penca)
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About the Contributor
Aidan Penca, Assistant Photo Editor
Aidan Penca is a sophomore from Fulton, Illinois, majoring in electrical engineering. Outside of the Star, he enjoys playing his electric guitar, writing and listening to rock and indie music.
More to Discover
More about tugs
The anchor for the 2026 Men’s Tugs champions, Sigma Nu, balances in a low lean while being commanded by the first rope anchor during the second pull of the finals against Delta Chi. SNU managed to regain a championship victory after having its four-year win streak interrupted by Phi Kappa Psi the year prior. (Aidan Penca | Northern Star)
Sigma Nu reclaims Tugs title, Phi Sigma Kappa takes third
Alpha Sigma Phi tuggers hold a high lean during the second rope on Saturday. ASig took seventh place while Sigma Alpha Epsilon earned fifth place.  (Eric McGill | Northern Star)
SAE claims 5th, ASig takes 7th to open Tugs final day
Phi Kappa Theta first and second trench focus on the caller while holding a clear advantage of the rope in their match against Sigma Alpha Epsilon on Friday. PKT was able to win the match after holding advantage in the third pull, before SAE stepped out in the first pull. (Aidan Penca | Northern Star)
Phi Kaps, ASIG take victories in day 6 of Tugs

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