College Media Network - Search the largest news resource for college students by college students Jobs and internships for students -

The Voyager > News

Sigma Chi plays ball

Fraternity raises funds for Huntsman Cancer Foundation

By Ross Florence

|

Published: Monday, December 3, 2007

Updated: Sunday, February 22, 2009

"One, two, 10 strikes youuuuu're out," the announcer yelled at the Huntsman Home Run Derby Nov. 16 at the University of West Florida baseball field. The event was planned by Sigma Chi fraternity and the Huntsman Cancer Foundation (the charity arm of Sigma Chi) to raise money for cancer research. The UWF baseball team and members of the six UWF fraternities had up to 10 chances to hit a home run each time at bat. Every participant competed for the bragging rights of home run derby champion and an oversized trophy. The fraternity raised money by charging a $2 entry fee, selling t-shirts and wristbands, and firing up the grill to sell hamburgers and hot dogs. "Huntsman Cancer Foundation's motto is 'a reason to hope,' so we used this as our theme for today's event," said Phil Ingram, public relations director for Sigma Chi. The event took three months to plan, and there were about 200 in attendance, which is a great turnout for its first year, Ingram said. Of the people there, approximately half were Greeks from every fraternity and sorority on campus. "We were excited to bring Greeks together as a collective whole," Ingram said. "It was positive for the Greeks' image." This event brought Greeks and athletes together to have a good time and raise money for a charitable cause. "This is a great way to build a relationship between the Greek community and the athletic community on this campus, and I hope this will become an annual event," UWF baseball Head Coach Mike Jeffcoat said. Jeffcoat said he hopes this will bring more Greeks and other students out to support his team this upcoming season because there was great participation in today's event. After a long day of hits and misses, a winner was finally declared. Greg McLellan of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, who is a former high school baseball player from Tate High School, was named champion with five home runs. "It was a fun event, and I'm glad we could get the Greeks out to support a good cause," McLellan said, holding his large first-place trophy. The Huntsman Cancer Foundation's mission combines research and patient care with the offering of hope and support for cancer patients and their families. Sigma Chi brothers said the event raised approximately $1,090. All but one fraternity on campus entered a team in the derby, and every UWF sorority was on hand to help run the event. The baseball team's entire roster participated in the derby by pitching, announcing and snagging balls in the outfield and by having a hitting team of their own. If you missed the Home Run Derby this year, fear not. Sigma Chi members said they felt the event was a success and have already begun thinking about next year. They hope to expand the tournament to include all university organizations and clubs and to continue to raise money for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation.

Recommended: Articles that may interest you

Be the first to comment on this article!







log out