Freshmen at Massachusetts State College in Amherst, Massachusetts, underwent a series of contests and hazing, which were designed to “welcome” them into the institution. The rope pull was added to the roster of freshmen vs. upperclassmen events in the early 20th century after the pond was added to the campus. This annual rite was a festive occasion that always drew a large crowd. Massachusetts State College began in 1863 as Massachusetts Agricultural College, and became the University of Massachusetts in 1947.