Flyer News: Tuesday, April 3, 2007

Professional Frats, Bump Set and Spike For Charity

Steve Malone

Sports Editor

Many college students’ Christmas wish lists include an iPod, DVDs or plain cash. Mike Reuther was a bit different from most, hoping for a charity volleyball tournament for UD’s professional fraternities.

Reuther, the junior historian of Delta Sigma Pi, came up with the idea over Christmas break and when he returned and pitched the idea to his fraternity brothers they told him to do it.

“I was a bit overwhelmed at first being told to set it up myself,” Reuther said. “But once I approached other fraternity representatives, it really began to run smoothly. We have been meeting every Tuesday and it has been great watching it come together, everyone getting involved, getting charities involved. They have gone above and beyond to help make this happen.”

The first “Spike for Charity” will take place on April 26^th with each of the nine fraternities involved, Delta Sigma Pi (business), Epsilon Delta Upsilon (Education, Phi Alpha Delta (pre-law), Alpha Epsilon Delta (pre-med), Pershing Rifles (ROTC), Phi Beta Chi (communication), Beta Beta Beta (biology), Alpha Phi Omega (service) and Gamma Epsilon Lambda (service), hosting its own fundraiser during the week of April 16.

The fraternity which wins the tournament, the fraternity which raises the most money during the previous week and the winner of an eating contest will each receive a third of the money that is raised. Each fraternity is allowed up to five teams consisting of six players. The cost for each player is $10. Players will receive a T-shirt and lunch in addition to participating.

The tournament presents a unique opportunity for friends to get together for a cause. “I think it is a great opportunity for all of the professional fraternities to get together and do something really positive for the community,” Bethany Hunt, president of Phi Alpha Delta said. “It is a great way to make a contribution and strengthen our ties as leaders on campus.”

With the fraternities averaging close to 70 members, many fraternity members are looking forward to the chance to compete and share in this experience with friends.

“I’m really excited to see all the professional fraternities come together for a good cause,” Katy Shepard, president of Epsilon Delta Upsilon said. “Professional fraternities rarely come together to work on things and I really think this is going to be an amazing day.”

Reuther sees this as a perfect opportunity to show just how committed UD students are to service and doing for others. “It is incredible to see how many UD students are willing so graciously donate their time to others,” Reuther said. “We have so many events around campus such as Christmas on Campus, Autumn Air, Dance Marathon and Relay For Life. I really hope to see this event take off and develop into something that students of all majors can share.”

sports@flyernews.com