Bodies were thrashed and spirits were crushed in Monday’s first round of tugs competition.

The 33rd annual event, which runs through Friday, is hosted by the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

The victors of the three testosterone-packed matches were Sigma Phi Epsilon, Phi Kappa Sigma and Sigma Pi.

he Sig Eps defeated Delta Chi, the Skulls beat Tau Kappa Epsilon and Sigma Pi conquered the Phi Sigs.

Members of Sig Pi were elated because of their victory.

“We were just trying to tug with all our hearts,” said Paul Kim, Sigma Pi first rope member.

Doug Kotlinski, president of Delta Chi, said their defeat simply will be used as a learning experience.

“We thought if we were heavy, it would be enough, but it was really all about the timing,” Kotlinski said.

The weight issue Kotlinski referred to was the max average that each team had to adhere by. Adding each of the 11 tuggers’ weight together and then dividing by 11, the average weight must be 195 pounds or less. Delta Chi cut it close, weighing in with an average of 194 pounds.

The participants kept their arms in tugging position and protected their skin by having massive amounts of duct tape wrapped around their arms and shoulders.

The event was met with a mediocre crowd because of the cold weather.

“We’re expecting 800 to 1,000 people this Friday [for the championship],” said Henry Lloyd, Sig Ep B rope member.

he second round of tugs takes place at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Sigma Phi Epsilon house, 919 Greenbrier Road.

The consolation match will go down between the Tekes and Delta Chi.

Pi Kappa Alpha, last year’s champion, will compete against Sigma Pi, and the Phi Sigs will face the Sig Eps in hopes of obtaining a spot in Friday’s championship.