The men of Greek Row temporarily transformed into what resembled a screaming pack of wolves on Wednesday during the second round of the Tugs competition.

Pi Kappa Alpha defeated Sigma Pi and Phi Kappa Sigma declared victory against Sigma Phi Epsilon.

The intensity of the matches captivated the crowd, but it appeared to be brutal for those in the trenches, tugging away with all their might.

“I thought we could change history; I thought we could do it,” Sigma Pi coach Grant Eisenhut said. “I’m speechless.”

The last time the Pikes were defeated was in 1995. Sig Pi supporters even chanted “’95! ’95!” in efforts to motivate them to hold up to the Pikes.

The Pikes had a special source of motivation for the match.

Each tugger wore black tape, instead of gray, to honor the memory of fellow Pike Steve Abplanalp, who passed away in a car accident three years ago, said Brent Renken, president of the Pikes and a Northern Star assistant advertising manager.

The next match saw a swift victory for the Skulls against the Sig Eps, as they were knocked down in 10 minutes in the first match.

“It feels good to be a winner,” said Jeff Hites, a first trench tugger for the Skulls.

After their victory, Skulls president Mark Lepore expressed elation for his team.

“We are feeling so great right now,” Lepore said. “We are more confidant than ever for Friday.”

The remaining championship round between the Pikes and the Skulls will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Friday at the Sigma Alpha Epsilon house, 919 Greebrier Road.

Kevin Kalish, former Pi Kappa Alpha president, looks forward to the final round.

“We’re looking forward to our 29th championship,” Kalish said.