Champaign Urbana University Illinois Strauch's Sack Rush Student 1913 Real Photo Postcard

The "Sack Rush" of 1913 captures a common, often vigorous, form of inter-class hazing prevalent in American colleges during the early 20th century. These annual contests, typically between freshmen and sophomores, served as initiation rites and demonstrations of class dominance. The notation "Soph 0 Fresh 18" likely indicates a "score" or outcome of this particular rush, suggesting the freshmen class emerged victorious in the physical scramble, a significant point of pride in collegiate rivalries of the era.

Such rushes, characterized by mass physical confrontation, were integral to the masculine culture and social structure of universities at the time. They reinforced a pecking order among classes and provided a sanctioned outlet for student competitive spirit, often resulting in minor injuries. Over time, growing concerns for student safety and changing societal attitudes towards hazing led to the gradual prohibition and decline of these and similar traditional collegiate physical contests.