The Hope College sophomore class (2028) or “Even Year” team notched the win in this year’s epic Pull event, pulling more rope than its “Odd Year” (freshman class of 2029) opponent, with its 49 feet and seven inch gain. The Pull advisors and judges referred to this year’s contest as “very close” since the losing team’s rope gain is not publicized.
The Hope College Pull is one of the longest college traditions in the country and took place for its 128th year in Holland, Michigan, at Hope on Saturday, Sept. 27.
Each team sported 17 students in their individual shallow pits, tugging for three hours on the 600-foot rope that weighed 1,500 pounds. By their side was a “moraler,” a teammate responsible for relaying strategic tips to their puller, while also keeping them focused and motivated. The moraler takes cues from their team “caller” who stood high above its team, giving strategic visual cues when to “heave” or “strain.” Photo galleries from the Odd Year and Even Year teams are available for viewing.
The annual competition fuels a rivalry between the even-year and odd-year classes, or the freshman versus the sophomore class. Juniors serve as coaches for the freshman team, while the sophomores are coached by seniors. The win-loss record over the decades favors the sophomores and even-years. There’s a sports adage, though, to the effect that any team can beat any other on any given day, and no Pull team relies on the weight of history to assure the outcome. This year’s winner (the sophomore “even class”) was also last year’s winner, gaining 58’ 7” of rope.
The Pull tug-of-war is believed to have first been held in 1898, continuing each year
except for five years: In war years (1918, 1943 and 1944); in 1957 during a flu epidemic
on campus and in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
More Pull History:
- The Pull Through the Decades - video and History: https://hope.edu/offices/student-life/pull/