DeKALB | Sigma Phi Epsilon are the Tugs 2007 champions, with Pi Kappa Alpha, the Pikes, taking second place.

Sig Eps hosted Tugs as their annual Greek philanthropic event last Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Overall, there was a large spectator turnout for the event. Fans supported the fraternities by sporting their Greek letters.

Phi Sigma Kappa earned third place, allowing Tau Kappa Epsilon to take fourth. Sigma Alpha Epsilon with Alpha Kappa Lambda placed fifth and Sigma Nu placed sixth.

For a team to win the competition, they were required to have an advantage, which was awarded when the knot was tugged from the safety zone, a one-foot area.

The possibility of three matches occurring during the competition only arises if either team does not take rope and an advantage during the first two matches.

During the third and final match between Sig Eps and Pikes, Sig Eps had an advantage in just less than 10 minutes, making them the Tugs 2007 title holders.

“This victory is huge, especially because this is our third year in a row winning Tugs,” said Mike Orescanin, president of Sigma Phi Epsilon. “The guys put a lot of dedication into this. They earned it and they won it.”

Tuggers must have time-management and weight-management skills, mental and physical endurance and be able to deal with pain, Orescanin said.

Fraternities take Tugs very seriously. Men who participated in Tugs are respected for enduring ruthless, physical stress during the intense, weeklong competition.

Sig Eps raised roughly $3,000 for the event. All proceeds will go to the YouthAIDS foundation.