A fraternity won Homecoming sweepstakes this weekend for the first time in six years.
The last time a fraternity won Homecoming was in 2011 when Lambda Chi Alpha took home the trophy, according to Student Publications archives.
The men of Kappa Sigma won the 2017 Homecoming Sweepstakes. President Colton Kastrup, music theater senior, said he’s excited for the win, which he thinks may be the first in chapter history.
“The current undergraduate brothers are ecstatic to finally have all their hard work pay off,” he said. “The competition was incredible this year, so it’s a huge honor to take home the trophy. I am so proud of my brothers.”
Kappa Sigma got the Homecoming Cup at the awards ceremony after the men’s basketball game Saturday in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center. The Stars defeated Southwestern Oklahoma State University, 84-82.
Kappa Sigma placed first in Structure and Lip Sync and third in Window and Banner, awarding them the Sweepstakes prize. Their individual theme was The Sandlot, based off of the movie by the same name, so each of their entries was related to baseball. Their royalty candidate, Matthew Sparks, dance senior, also was crowned Homecoming king.
“I am proud to represent Kappa Sigma because I have never met a more diverse, compassionate or studious group of young gentlemen,” Sparks said. “To be chosen as their nominee is a true honor, and I am humbled by their unending support.”
This year’s Homecoming theme was “Then, Now and Forever.” Seven organizations competed in the festivities, choosing their own themes within the official theme. Competition categories were Lip Sync, Structure, Banner, and Window.
All Greek organizations participated in each competition, except FIJI because their budget didn’t allow for it. Black Student Association participated in the Window category.
Gamma Phi Beta placed first in Banner and second in Lip Sync, inspired by their theme of The Lion King. Their candidate, Sydney Blosch, music theater senior, won the Homecoming queen crown.
“I wanted to represent Gamma Phi Beta because these women have helped me become the woman I am today,” Blosch said. “These women are my home away from home, my shoulders to cry on and my biggest cheerleaders. I have also gained a greater knowledge of who I am as a woman in the world today, and I am forever grateful for Gamma Phi Beta for teaching me that.”
Alpha Phi placed first in Window and won the People’s Choice Award for Lip Sync. The spirit award went to Alpha Chi Omega for the sixth consecutive year.
Alpha Chi Omega’s Emily Fruendt, acting freshman, said she’s proud of the sorority’s accomplishment.
“This house shows relentless love and appreciation for this campus, and I couldn’t be happier with the work we put into Homecoming 2017,” she said.
Sam Jones, dance pedagogy senior and Homecoming chair of Alpha Chi Omega, said she’s found the experience rewarding.
“I am so glad the spirit trophy is back at its rightful home at Alpha Chi Omega,” Jones said.
Cole Cloutier, music theater junior, was the Homecoming chair for Kappa Sigma. He said his brothers put in a lot of work this year and are excited about the results.
“I feel like we’ve done our part and tried our hardest, pulling through even further than last year,” Cloutier said. “I’m really happy with the outcome and proud of what myself and my brothers have put into Homecoming this year. Now we get to sleep.”
Kappa Sigma’s Johnny Richards, film junior, said he noticed the plaques of winners on the Homecoming Cup.
“K-Sig’s name is not on that,” Richards said. “It goes from 2007 to 2017. Our name will be on it now.”
Contributing: News Editor Zoe Travers
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