Puddle Pull

Puddle Pull is a sport created the Miami Chapter, Miami University (OH), of Delta Upsilon. It has become a unique tradition in the 200 year history of Miami University. The event was created by Miami DU alumnus Frank Dodd in 1949. Puddle Pull occurs twice a year, once during Greek Week and during pledging at Miami University. Traditionally, the event is held on the last day of Greek Week. It is held in Central Quad and draws large crowds every year. In previous decades, anyone on campus could field a team.
The Art of Puddle Pull
"Puddle Pull is a variation of tug-of-war." During Greek Week, fraternities and sororities send 10 person teams of their biggest and strongest members. However, what makes Puddle Pull different from tug-of-war is the technique and strategy. The strategy comes from the caller who has to direct his/her team during the 2 minute pull. During the championship round the teams battle for 3 minutes. Which ever team takes the most rope wins or if a team grabs the flag the match is over. There are three moves that every team need to know. They are the lockdown, "sucking up", and the hit. To avoid stalemates, teams are required to preform a hit at least once every 30 seconds.
-"The basic lockdown form in Puddle Pull is having your legs extended, back arched, head up, and hands close to your body." In this way the team anchors the rope like a rock. This is the strongest position and is used to hold rope.
-"Sucking up" is a move designed to prepare to preform a hit. "This is done by moving your body quickly so that your legs are at a 90 degree angle. There are many ways of getting into this position."
-The final part is the hit. When it is called for, the entire team fires back and up into the air. As the team goes back they take rope. Then the team nestles back down, they have to adjust or they will end up giving up all the rope they just took. This is mainly done by the anchor man.
Pit Dimensions
Note: For Greek Week there are 10 people on each side, however for Pledges there are only 8.
"Middle Line: 3 ft. or 18 in. in each direction
From Middle line to first pit: 5 ft.
From front of pit to front of opposite pit: 10 ft.
Front of pit to front of pit behind: 20 in. or 1 ft. 8 in.
-Pledge (8): 5’, 6’8”, 8’4”, 10’, 11’8”, 13’4”, 15’, 16’8”
-Greek Week(10): 5’, 6’8”, 8’4”, 10’, 11’8”, 13’4”, 15’, 16’8”, 18’4”, 20’
From Middle line to last pit:
-Pledge (8): 16 ft. 8 in.
-Greek Week(10): 20 ft.
From end to end down center:
-Pledge (8): 33 ft. 4 in.
-Greek Week(10): 40 ft."
Recent Winners
2009 Pledging: Sorority: Alpha Delta Pi
Next Event
Greek Week: October 11th in Central Quad.

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