I have conflicted thoughts about this. First off, I know the practice of "poling" goes back decades in fraternities and other male organizations. Poling is a fraternity tradition for when a brother gets engaged. Now, I wonder if it's a punishment for forsaking the company of men (the brothers) for that of a woman (wife.) I couldn't find any reference to where the tradition began.
This practice makes me wonder why a brother would even get engaged during his college years. The Hood had other traditions in a similar vein, like being swirlied on your birthday. Brothers would keep their birthday a secret for that reason- even their 21st. Yes, I was swirlied for my 20th and 21st birthday, but not for my 22nd due to a swirley" accident in Spring 1988 (my birthday is in September.)
I also know that other houses other than mine practiced this. While we did it on the front yard tree, some houses (like Lambda Chi) used the pole of a basketball net, or did it inside. Some houses, like ΔΣΘ, got into trouble for doing it in early1989, while ΧΦ didn't get punished for doing it in late 1989.
In any case, this happened. Last I heard, the couple was still together. So, she was/IS worth it.
And yes, the statute of limitations is long past.
Chapter 64: Poled
Thursday, April 16, 1987 Shultz trip ends with optimism
I walked over to the Bone for dinner, tired from waking up, student teaching, and using my poor, abused brain.
The whole house was on the front lawn surrounding the large tree between us and Triangle. They were shouting, cheering and hollering “Is she worth it?” I walked up the steps and across the yard and saw Chumpy tied to the tree, stripped to his boxers and covered with all kinds of shit. Eggs were broken in his hair, kitchen grease smeared all over him, I can’t even guess what else (and to this day I don’t want to know!)
Chumpy got engaged to Becky, the Zeta he met at Homecoming. As a result, he was the recipient of a good old fashioned Poling! Lots of houses did it, usually for engagements, but sometimes for royally fucking up.
Flounder stood to the side, supplying Chumpy with beer when he wanted it (or when the Hood demanded he chug) and a bottle of Jack for shots.
I stood near the back and hoped no one would grab me.
From the April 16, 1987 Collegian
The Hood pelted Chumpy with tomatoes, beer, all kinds of various projectiles. Some guys yelled “What were you thinking?” but most chanted “Is she worth it? Is she worth it?” It was a lot of fun to watch, and I chanted along. [To my shame now]
After a while, Becky appeared wearing a nice top and a tan skirt. She thought it was funny too. Chumpy managed to babble “love you” then she leaned in as close as she could without getting shit on her and kissed him. The kiss was the signal for it all to stop, and so it did. A couple of pledges were directed to untie him as the Hood scattered in all directions, each fearing that Chumpy would tackle them.
As soon as he was untied, Chumpy grabbed Becky, gave her a big hug and kissed her. They held each other for a while before Chumpy staggered off looking for vengeance and Becky went looking for a towel.
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