Illinois tuggers dominate Tugfest

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By Mary Louise Speer | Sunday, August 13, 2006 4:19 AM CDT | () comments

Nick Loomis/QUAD-CITY TIMES Brett Jeffries, 14, of LeClaire, Iowa, does a front flip from a houseboat docked in LeClaire during a boat party Saturday afternoon at Tugfest.

The alabaster bald eagle trophy returned to Port Byron, Ill., on Saturday afternoon after the Illinois town claimed the 2006 Tug Pull victory over rival LeClaire, Iowa, during the 20th annual Tugfest/Great River Tug Fest.

The final tally was eight wins to three in favor of the Illinois tug teams.

Smiles glowed as bright in Port Byron afterward as the new 2,700-foot rope that was used in the annual event that pits teams comprised of people from Illinois and Iowa that pull the long rope over the Mississippi River in 11 separate tug-of-war matches. Illinois’ victory Saturday means the two sides are evenly matched with 10 victories each in the history of the event.

“It was awesome to be out there and show them what Illinois is all about,” said tugger Dusty McKeag, who filled a last-minute vacancy on the Jimmie Lee’s Bar & Grill team for the Illinois side.

“The Tug is a lot different from the little tug in Walnut, Ill. It’s just a little rope on dry land there,” said first-time visitor Ashley Poruba of Walnut, Ill., referring to a similar, but smaller, event.

The new rope was draped in a gentle arc over the Mississippi River as Port Byron held the opening ceremony. The Illinois tug committee honored volunteers Don Frits, Trena DeCap, Roy Kouski and the late Jerry Baff and Don Johnson. Veteran Dennis Searl of American Legion Post 421 solemnly placed a wreath in honor of fallen comrades and U.S. military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan, he said.

“We’re very excited that Dave Bass (from the Iowa Tug Committee) got this rope,” said event media chairman Tammy Mumma.

Over in LeClaire, Bass thanked the labor unions and companies who helped with the purchase of the new rope that replaced the older one that was used the first 19 years of the event.

“Hold that rope” shouted spectators as the last teams took their place in the pit.

The new rope calls for a different strategy, said tugger Ray Van Wetzinga of Park View, Iowa, and the Long Awesome Line team. “In the past there was more drag on the rope so the victor was whoever dragged the rope out more. Now it’s team against team.”

Andy Marker of Indianapolis, was watching from the Iowa side during his initial visit to the event. He said there is no way he could be a tugger.

“I don’t have the strength. I really think I’d be better suited if I was coaching a team because I’m a motivator,” he said.

But victory is as close as next year.

“I’m really surprised with the amount of feet they pulled. They had seven pulls over 50 feet,” said Iowa Tug President Angela Mapes. “I’m glad for Port Byron. Now we’re tied and I think that’ll make next year’s competition even better.”

The City of LeClaire wrapped up the day with a concert that featured country artists Steve Azar and Trent Willmon, whose latest works include the single, “So am I” and “On Again Tonight” video. Willmon took a few minutes to appreciate the view of the Mississippi as his crew set up for the evening performance.

Touring leaves less time for his favorite hobbies of fishing and spending time on the water. But with every new release, he hopes to do better and keep growing professionally.

“Every day is a different challenge. Sometimes we change the set list but basically what keeps this going is playing live. Every time we play the band gets better and the crowd gets bigger and more enthusiastic. It’s something to look forward to,” he said.

The city desk can be contacted at (563) 383-2245 or newsroom@qctimes.com.