The West Aurora High School football program will host a competition known as “Battle of the Big Butts” at 3PM on Thursday, July 11.

This will be the 24th edition of the event. Players from Batavia and Geneva participated in last year’s competition.

Typically, “skill” players compete by throwing, catching passes and making interceptions. This competition, however, is for linemen only — the big boys in the trenches.

Offensive and defensive linemen from about 30 schools will travel to West Aurora High School to show off their strength, speed and power. Players will compete in multiple events, culminating with the notorious Watermelon Eating Contest and Tug-of-War.

Numerous college football programs and sports media outlets will have staff present to observe the local talent. The event — located at the West Aurora Practice Fields — is open to the public. Full concessions will be available as well.

Battle of the Big Butts was originally organized in 1999 by Mike Powers, assistant coach at St. Charles High School. He brought the competition to West Aurora in 2006, and in 2015 it was covered by Sports Illustrated, resulting in national coverage.

Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] with questions or comments.

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