West Aurora High School’s Battle of the Big Butts, eight contests for 300 linemen from 20-plus Chicago-area high schools, is back.
The 21st annual event will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 15, at West High stadium, 1201 W. New York Street in Aurora. Michael Runge, Blackhawk assistant football coach, is the event coordinator.
The public is invited. Admission and parking are free.
Teams entered will include Aurora Christian, Batavia, Crystal Lake South, Downers Grove North, Glenbard East, Geneva, Hinsdale Central, Hubbard, Joliet Central, Kaneland, Lockport, Manteno, Marengo, Niles West, Oswego East, Plainfield Central, Waubonsie Valley, West Aurora, Wheaton North, Wheaton Warrenville South, and Yorkville.
Runge said, “There are numerous 7-on-7 passing leagues for the backs, receivers, and linebackers, to compete in. This event is to showcase the workhorses 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.”
Events scheduled will include:
• Bench Press, varsity: 185 lbs.; fresh/soph: 135 lbs. Total reps counted for team score.
• 40-yard dash.
• Medicine-ball throw.
• Agility run, including chutes, bags, cones, hurdle, ladders.
• Tractor-tire relay, two-man teams will flip tires for 10 yards.
• Five-man sled drive for five seconds.
• Tug of war, seeded by bench results.
• Watermelon-eating race, one-man against clock (non-scoring event).
Teams are limited to five student-athletes. Six-man and four-man teams are allowed, but cannot win a team contest. Top teams and individuals will receive awards. Team entry fee is $50.
Runge said, “This event was 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. In 2015, it gained national recognition when it was covered by Sports Illustrated.
“In 2016 Mike retired from coaching football. West Aurora is proud to continue this event in Mike’s honor and for all of those unsung heroes of the gridiron, the linemen!”
—Al Benson