Homecoming 2013

LETTERS IOWA STATE GREEK COMMUNITY

THE

HOMECOMING 2013

1 0 1 G N I M O C E M O S H E U N I T N O C N O TRADITI

THIS EDITION LETTERS HOMECOMING 2013

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GREEKS AND HOMECOMING

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2013 BANNERS

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DODGEBALL BATTLESHIP ROCKCLIMBING TUG-O-WAR

brought to you by the

GREC TEAM STAFF INEKE ARMSTRONG

VOLLEYBALL SOCCER NINTENDO TREDS

BRICE BALLENTINE DAVID GARDNER

WIFFLEBALL BASKETBALL

LAUREN HAYES

BLUE SKY DAYS PAITING AMES FOR HOMECOMING BUILDING GREEK TRADITION

YELL LIKE HELL

Advertising/Marketing Brice@iastate.edu Writer dwg@iastate.edu Design lahayes@iastate.edu

JOHN KLUMPP

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MIKAYLA LAHAYE

Design/Marketing mslahaye@iastate.edu

KILEY PAWLAK

Advertising/Marketing kpawlak@iastate.edu

KRISTIN PETERSON

Writer kristinp@iastate.edu

KARLI SANDOS

Design/Photography ksandos@iastate.edu

MORGAN WOODVINE

DIRECTORS

Writer inekea@iastate.edu

Greek Alumni Alliance PR Intern woodvine@iastate.edu

TAYLOR VERMEER VP Public Relations

Collegiate Panhellenic Council tvermeer@iastate.edu

JUSTIN MATTINGLY VP Public Relations

Interfraternity Council justinm8@iastate.edu

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GREEKS: Maintaining the Tradition of Homecoming KRISITN PETERSON

But why? Well, you see, the Greek Community was built on tradition.

Traditions keep the Greek Community going.

Traditions are incorporated in ritual, in the Greek pillars, and in the events that feed fraternal relationships. Homecoming celebrates the longstanding traditions of our University. In the same way that ritual helps Greeks to appreciate their past and how their chapters have grown, Homecoming does the same for Iowa State as a whole.

2013 TOP THREE

The Greek community competes together and celebrates together in appreciation of Iowa State and the Cyclone community. Alumni often return to Ames and admire the hard work of their chapters and remember the times they too pulled all-nighters to complete a Lawn Display set or stained their clothes with paint in pursuit of the coveted Yell Like Hell trophy.

It is hard to walk through the houses of the Greek Community during Homecoming without noticing unique excitement and eager participants roaming the halls.

Greek or not, the tradition of Homecoming continues to spread spirit to the community and the Iowa State Greek Community is a major part of continuing that tradition.

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Greeks show up in the masses for the painting of storefront windows in campustown, decorating victory lane, displaying banners, building sets, competing in sports, practicing and preforming skits and stomps, participating in community service, and showing their fair share of Iowa State spirit. Not to mention, many Greek Community members stand up every year, often in freezing temperatures wearing little more than a layer of latex paint, and shout their Iowa State traditions to the Ames community, alumni and students.

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When you look at the yards filled with lawn displays or see people painting banners; when you watch hoards of people exiting the community to head to Yell Like Hell practices or notice the unloading of cars stuffed with cans of paint – you are experiencing only a small fraction of what Greeks contribute to Iowa State’s Homecoming.

LETTERS

Chi

FarmHouse, Gamma Phi Beta, Delta Upsilon

A trophy may often be a goal for the pairings but the Greek Community participates in Homecoming for more than the awards. In fact, 75% of Homecoming Central (coordinators of Homecoming) are members of Greek chapters.

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e Chi Om

, Delta a t l e D au Delta T

Phi Delta Theta, Alpha Delta Pi, Phi Kappa Theta

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HOMECOMING TOURNAMENTS

“I like dodgeball because it brings out the competition in people and it’s not your average sport to watch.”

CASEY WALES Cy Squad Member

“ THIS IS SO EXCITING.” REED LECHNER TAU KAPPA EPSILLON

“I like dodgeball because it’s not necessarily based on your athletic skills, it’s more based on your flexibility and it’s an even match and a lot of fun to watch.”

“I think it’s a great competition and it’s really awesome to see so many Greeks come out to support it, hanging over the railings, watching and having fun.“

MICHAEL HEGER Beta Sigma Psi

“I’m a big fan of tug o war, I’ve always enjoyed watching it and it’s one of my favorite events in both Greek Week and Homecoming. ” BRENT SEXTON Alpha Gamma Rho

ANNA BADOVINAC Kappa Alpha Theta

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NOVEMBER 2013 7

VOLLEYBALL

100 years of tradition can be difficult to top, but Iowa State’s Greek Community proves once again their ability to keep the traditions alive. Buzzing with excitement, the Greek Community prepared once again for the competitive nature of tournaments.

Competitions ranging from Battle Ship to Whiffle Ball brought a new energy to the athletic complexes including Lied, State gym and Beyer Hall. Despite its ill-timed arrival (All Hallows Eve), one of the more popular tournaments this year was Volleyball.

Supporting chapter members filled the gymnasium elevating the sound level from loud to deafening. Even disaffiliated members stepped out from the shadows to encourage their Greek community. One such individual said; “It’s so inspiring to see the community come together and play such a competitive yet well rounded sport.” She, who asked to remain anonymous, went on to say that she is proud to be part of such a talented community.

Talent indeed – it’s always impressive to see the number of athletes we have in the Greek Community. This year, the pairing of Sigma Kappa’s ability to block, dig and serve won them the gold and bragging rights in Volleyball. May the tournaments continue as we leap into 102 years of tradition.

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On Tuesday night, the Greek Community packed the fields at Lied Rec to watch the annual soccer tournament. Just five minutes before the first games, the scene was chaotic: whistles buzzed, chants were yelled, and the sound of tennis shoes violently colliding with soccer balls echoed off the walls of the gymnasium - but two players for Acacia fraternity weren’t bothered. Mike Hoefer, Junior said before the game: “I’m feeling like a bird in the sky right now. This is more intense than the Super Bowl!” His teammate, sophomore Jon Ellis, agreed and said; “I’m feeling saucy!” The energy that most players felt at the start of the games usually evaporated after two halves of play, however, after two games Ezra Auerbach, Senior in Sigma Chi, said “We dun real good and I’m real sore.” As the night went on, the stakes only grew higher.

MORGAN FOLDES SALC President

This November 5th students of Iowa State University’s Greek Community were given a chance to travel back to their childhood. A group of four members from each Homecoming pairing competed to show who still had the best gaming skills in Super Mario Smash brothers, Mario Kart, and Battle.

First, came Super Mario Smashbrothers. With a very competitive atmosphere, not one pairing obtained an easy win. Kevin Holford, member of Lambda Chi Alpha, said; “We won the first match, but lost the second,” showing that this part of the tournament was not going to be predicatable. “Yoshi was my biggest challenge,” said Alex Cutler, member of Beta Sigma Psi. Not too long after the start of Super Mario Smashbrothers, the Mario Kart races began. One girl from each pairing would be the driver, taking on the challenge to win first for each course against three to four other opponents. “Playing against people you don’t know was my biggest challenge,” said Madison Hiskey, member of Chi Omega and winner of Mario Kart.

The last part of the Nintendo 64 tournament was Super Mario Battle. Competitors were on a course trying to pop all of their opponent’s balloons. Members participating in Battle competed against one or two other people.

Catherine Dunbar, member of Gamma Phi Beta, said, “I’d rather race, but Battle is a lot more competitive, which is fun!” Fun is exactly what all players of the Nintendo 64 tournament had. Win or lose, having the chance to relive your childhood experiences is always a good time!

“YOSHI WAS MY BIGGEST CHALLENGE.” ALEX CUTLER Beta Sigma Psi

“We’ve got to risk it to get the biscuit.”

JORDAN MUGARURA Delta Tau Delta

“The competitive nature of the Greeks never gets old.”

ANONYMOUS

TREDS MIKAYLA LAHAYE

An always popular homecoming sport, Treds, is a lethal combination of flag football and ultimate Frisbee. Teams arrived early to Lied Athletic Facility to organize, practice and develop their strategic method of play. In support of their chapters, non-competing members flooded the athletic complex displaying enthusiasm and confidence in their teams. Soon it was time for the games to commence and the energy quickly shifted from auspicious to focused and tense. “The competitive nature of the Greeks never gets old,” said an onlooker. Indeed, Greeks are competitive and Homecoming Tournaments are certainly a fine example of this. As the hours passed, there were soon fewer and fewer teams left until finally Sigma Kappa defeated Chi Omega in the battle for Gold. I think it is safe to say, Cardinal Treds is one competition guaranteed to continue into future.

TREDS

SOCCER

SOCCER DAVID GARDENER

“It’s so inspiring to see the community come together and play such a competitive yet well rounded sport.”

NINTENDO INEKE ARMSTRONG

NINTENDO

VOLLEYBALL MIKAYLA LAHAYE

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L L A LEB

F F I W

POP TABS FOR DAYS AK PAWL KILEY Homecoming 101 continued with the new sport from last year’s tournaments, wiffle ball. Unlike traditional baseball or softball, wiffle ball is played using a plastic bat and ball. To ensure fairness the pitcher is from the batters team putting a unique spin to a classic backyard game.

When asked about participating in wiffle ball this year, sophomore Mikaela Boss of Alpha Gamma Delta said; “Wiffle ball was way more physically demanding than what I thought it was going to be. Homecoming central put duck tape around the wiffle ball so it wouldn't float like a wiffle ball should, but players were able to hit line drives causing the game to be faster paced.

As a softball player myself, I had an absolute blast playing!”

Kappa Alpha Theta Homecoming Co-Chair Kelsey Grote came to support her pairing. Her favorite part of homecoming tournaments was watching the friendly competitiveness among different Greek chapters.

After a light night of playing, Sigma Kappa won first place following in second place was Gamma Phi Beta, third place went to Alpha Delta Pi and fourth place went to Pi Beta Phi.

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“Not only do I like representing the entire Greek community, but I get to represent Iowa State too and learn what the student body is about, and how we like to get involved.”

CASEY WALES CySquad Member

LLENTINE

“Homecoming basketball is great because it is always fun hanging with your brothers, but it is also fun getting to play with your friends from other chapters. ” LETTERS

Each year brings another opportunity for Greeks to give back during Homecoming. Not only is it a great shot at selfless service, it also brings the community together. One of the more interesting Homecoming opportunities is collecting pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House. Millions are rounded up by each Greek pairing throughout the year in preparation for service opportunity. Each pop tab converts to one penny.Thanks to all who contributed to the cause this year!

BRICE BA

“Basketball is our favorite sport and we love the way the players dribble up and down the court.” Homecoming basketball had an amazing turnout this year as members attended to cheer on their pairing. It is a lot more than just competing for points. Rylei VanderPlaits, junior in Kappa Delta said; “The best thing about homecoming basketball is cheering on your pairing and your friends.

It is also good competition in the Greek Community.” Friendly competition is what homecoming is about, it is about coming together as a community and pushing each other to become better. It’s a time to hang out with friends in other chapters time and possibly gain some bragging rights for a few months until the next basketball tournament during Greek Week.

JOEL MAGRUDER Farmhouse

BRICE BALLENTINE

HAVING FUN & SAVING LIVES MIKAYLA LAHAYE New to Iowa State this year is an initiative called Up ‘Till Dawn.

For those of you who are not familiar with “Up ‘Till Dawn”, it is made up of two events held on the same night to raise money for St. Judes Childrens Reseach Hospital. One portion of the evening is dedicated to a Letter Sending Event followed by a Celebration event. Dominic Hagar, a Junior and member of Beta Theta Pi said, “It is just another way the Greek Community is getting involved in philanthropic opportunities.”

Much like Dance Marathon, Up ‘till dawn is now looking into universities to help finance research initiatives for children around the world. We are currently a resource waiting to be “tapped.” A little bit goes a long way and as a Iowa State’s Greek Community continues to grow I’m sure we will see more leaps and bounds taking place in the medical research realm. After all, who doesn’t like having fun and saving lives?

“We, as college students, are in a unique position in that we have the ability to network with a large student body.”

DOMINIC HAGAR Beta Theta Pi

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BLUE SKY DAYS

INEKE ARMSTRONG

November 2nd brought a beautiful fall morning and a new twist to the annual Blue Sky Days 5k run. The run received a splash of color this year: at the event many participants dressed up – white tutus were among the most notable.

“We saw [tutus] online with other Color Runs, so we were like, ‘let’s do tutus’,” said Amber Baughman.

Mitchell Moody, a member of Homecoming Central Committee, said that HCC had been planning for the run since around December of last year and enjoyed seeing everything come together the day of.

Moody explained that there were four stations for participants to run through, each offering a chance for a color-filled experience. The goal for many participants this year was to get painted with each of the colors, or at least four, by the time they finished.

When talking with Greek participants about their thoughts on the addition of color, most agreed it was exciting change to the run, making for a great incentive to complete the 5k. Audrey Bloom, member of Kappa Alpha Theta said, “It is just fantastic!”

Alex VanAlstyne of Theta Xi agreed that the run was a lot more fun in comparison to previous years without the color.

In the midst of colored explosions, the average time it took for participants to complete the course was around an hour, but For Macen Van Allen, a member of Beta Theta Pi, it quite a different story. He took first place with a time of 17 minutes and 29 seconds and surprisingly had never participated in the past.

PAINTING AMES “I really love that we beautify Ames.”

MARIA BEAR Alpha Gamma Delta

This year brought record-breaking attendance to Blue Sky Days and it is safe to say the addition of color may have played a role in this.

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BuildingGreek tradition

KRISITN PETERSON

Display Co-chairs Jessica McDonald and Michael Burt prepare for Homecoming 101.

“It’s always fun to watch the process of lawn displays starting from groundbreaking the performance night,” said Jess McDonald, Homecoming Central Co-Chair for Displays.

“It’s great to see everyone’s hard work and late nights pay off.”

“Who was the die hard this year?” asked Tau Kappa Epsilon alumni, Chris Petersen, before the football game while discussing Lawn Displays. He began to explain; there was always one guy in every pairing who made lawn display his mission and gave up all his time for attempts at victory.

Hands pointed at Jon Dimitriou.

Dimitriou, a lawn display co-chair for Tau Kappa Epsilon and the winning Lawn Display for Homecoming 101, estimates he put 200-300 hours of work in during the weeks leading up to lawn display sleeping 15-20 hours the week of homecoming.

Lawn Display, a long-standing tradition at Iowa State is one of the more extreme of traditions among the Greek Community. Pairings build elaborate sets that require engineering, technology, painting and eventually skits and acting.

Lawn Displays and ExCYtement in the Streets, much like the painted performers of Yell Like Hell, are a longawaited tradition that packs crowds into Greekland. “[Lawn Display] is my favorite part of Homecoming, but I think it is more of the overall aspect of it and what it represents compared to the overall Lawn Display itself. I think the total traditions thing kind of brings it all together and that’s what I like about Lawn Displays,” Dimitriou said. “It’s the fact that it has been a tradition for like 100 years and the fact that it means so much to a lot of people. It brings the community together, brings the community out- not just the Greek community but you have a lot of the citizens of Ames that come out and watch it.”

lawnDISPLAYS

Lawn Displays have offered alumni and students like Dimitriou the opportunity to gain experience that wouldn’t be feasible for most people.

“It’s right on par with what I want to do with my career, as far as like designing buildings, I really like the aspect of building stuff as well. Growing up I’ve always been kind of like a tinkerer with building things so it kind of just fits into my personality and what I like to do and what I want to do with my future,” Dimitriou said.

All the hard work paid off for their pairing and the other four pairing as the Greek Community had five fantastic Lawn Displays.

A special congratulations to first place Display winners:Tau Kappa Epsilon, Alpha Gamma Delta, Lambda Chi Alpha. Second place: Alpha Gamma Rho, Delta Delta Delta, Kappa Sigma. Third place: Phi Delta Theta, Alpha Delta Pi, and Phi Kappa Theta for their amazing Lawn Display finished products.

“You spend so much time putting into it, designing and building it and everything and it’s kind of like the last moment when you are all finished, that last tie moment you just kind of sit back and are like ‘yeah, yeah we did that,’” Jon said.

Jon Dimitriou said that often when at the store for supplies people would recognize that they were shopping for homecoming stuff and would share their memories of past Displays with them. For many alumni and people in Ames, Lawn Displays are a special homecoming memory.

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YELLlike Hell

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LETTERS HOMECOMING 2013

a publication of the Greek Relations Executive Council