It has been characterized by the Springfest sports chairman as “nothing but destruction to the body” and “complete idiodicy,” yet several fraternities are waiting for the annual tug-of-war competition like a child awaits holidays.

However, liability reasons are prohibiting the annual Tugs event as a Springfest event between the Greeks.

Rob Martin, the Springfest Sports activites chairman, said Tugs will carry on its tradition anyway, it will just be more of a sideshow.

And for those who have never seen Tugs, it might be classified as a main attraction—for masochists. Eleven guys are bunched together on one side of a 100-foot rope, ignoring the blood from their rope-burn cuts, screaming and pulling in unison until somebody gives in.

“It’s a killer sport,” said Martin, a member of Pi Kappa Alpha, 900 Greenbrier Road, who will participate in Tugs. “It does nothing (good) for your body. It’s nothing but sheer pain on your body.”

And as the doctor would say, ‘if it hurts, don’t do it.’ But that advice is ignored by NIU fraternities.

“It’s the ultimate proving of masculinity,” Martin said. “Guys are just trying to prove whose the toughest. There’s no greater competition—it’s very serious. It’s not a sport of luck, but of hard work. When you win, it’s like winning a national championship. But you get nothing out of it but glory.”

The finals for Tugs are scheduled for 3 p.m. (consolation) and 5 p.m. (championship) Friday at the Sigma Phi Epsilon house, 924 Greenbrier Road.

And for sports fans interested in taking in something a little more on the mild side, Martin said there are other events taking place over the weekend.

The 16-inch softball tournament finals will take place Wednesday night at Huskie Stadium. The Greeks and the independent championships will open at 9:30 p.m., with the winner of each bracket playing for the all-university championship at 10:30 p.m.

Those interested in volleyball can catch the independent and Greek tournaments each night of the week at the Office of Campus Recreation.