West Aurora High School’s football program has announced its 25th annual “Battle of the Big Butts” competition for area high school linemen at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 10 at West Aurora High School Football Stadium, 1244 Plum Street, Aurora.
Mike Runge, West Aurora assistant football coach and Big Butts coordinator, said “There are numerous 7-on-7 passing leagues for the backs, receivers, and linebackers to compete in throughout the summer. However, the event is to showcase the work horses of our programs, the offensive and defensive linemen. This is a chance for them to be the focus of the day while they compete both individually and as teams. As one of the original linemen competitions, this is a highly competitive event that is fun and worth watching by families and spectators.”
“This event was originally organized in 1999 by Mike Powers, assistant coach at St. Charles High School. He brought the competition with him when he came to 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 and for all those unsung heroes of the gridiron, the linemen!”
Line challenge events:
•Bench Press: Varsity: 185 pounds. Frosh/Soph: 135 pounds. Total repetitions is the team score.
•40-yard Dash: Team will run at the same time. Total Time is the team score (using FAT timing).
•Medicine Ball Throw: (2 throws – best one counts) Total distance is the team score.
•Agility Run: Chutes, Bags, Cones, Hurdle, Ladders, etc. Total time is the team score.
•Tractor Tire Relay Race: Each team will “flip” a tractor tire for 10 yards.
•Drive the five-Man-Sled: Drive sled for five seconds. Start in stance.
•Tug of War: Tournament (seeded by Bench results)
•Watermelon Eating Race: Each man against the clock (non-scoring event)
Team and individual winners in each event will receive their awards at the conclusion of the event.
—Al Benson