Watch the Final Moments of the Plebes' Herndon Climb 2013

Covered in sweat, water, lard and blood, the U.S. Naval Academy's class of 2016 continued a legacy in climbing Herndon Monument on Monday.

The annual event is all a part of a rite of passage for the academy's freshmen class. Herndon, a 21-foot tall monument, was covered in greasy lard before the event began, and a naval hat was placed at its peak, stuck down with a mound of lard. 

The plebes had to find a way up to the top, to take the hat. Tossed shirts and socks clung to the monument with a satisfying smacking sound—clothing is used to mop away the lard and ensure a firm grasp on the structure. Bodies were chained together and climbed over to reach the peak.

An hour into the event, the hat was knocked off by flying clothing, but the event wouldn't end until someone put it back on top. 

Just over an hour and a half after the event began, a plebe named Patrick Lien of Orlando, FL came the closest to the peak and was able to toss a cap to the top, ending the event to the cheers of all of his classmates. The young men and women chanted, "Plebes no more," in celebration.