The West Aurora High School football program will be host to “Battle of the Big Butts” competition Thursday, July 13. During the Summer, players compete by throwing, catching passes and making interceptions. This event is for the linemen and will be the 23rd edition.
Approximately 40 schools will arrive at West Aurora High School to test offensive and defensive linemen in strength, speed, and power. Players will compete in multiple events that culminate with the famous Watermelon Eating Contest and Tug-of-War. Additionally, this year numerous college football programs and media will have staff members attend. The event will begin at 3 p.m. at the West Aurora practice fields and is open to the public. Full concessions will be available provided by the West Aurora Sports Boosters.
The event was originally organized in 1999 by Mike Powers, assistant coach at St. Charles High School. He brought the competition with him when he started teaching at West Aurora in 2006, and in 2015 it gained national recognition when it was covered by Sports Illustrated. In 2016 Mike retired from coaching football, but West Aurora is proud to continue this event in Mike’s honor.
—West Aurora High School