Prior to the official Tank Scrap, one or two preliminary scraps were held. "Freshmen out!," was the call held many a night leading up to the main event. The events started with the freshmen, led by juniors, parading through the streets mustering their forces. The location of the preliminary scraps varied from year to year. Some were held at the Tank, some on the practice football field, or as in 1909, behind the Electrical Building. These events took anywhere between fifteen minutes and two hours. Once each other's mettle had been tested the Freshmen had a final meeting. The field of battle was described and tactics were discussed. Rules were outlined to ensure a fair and safe scrap. Participation by members of both classes was looked on a matter of honor. During the final meeting in 1910 for example roll was called. All freshmen who could not be at the Scrap were asked to turn in cards with their names and reasons for their absence. Failure to comply resulted in "unpleasant notoriety."
Some preliminary scraps were held behind the Electrical Building.
