Greek Week festivities underway

Greek Week is here, and Detroit Mercy organizations are competing in 12 events to win the Greek Week trophy.

“It’s a ton of fun and a way for each organization to showcase their talents and passion for their organization,” said Justin Elsesser of Kappa Delta Rho.

The campus Greek organizations competing are Sigma Sigma Sigma, Kappa Beta Gamma, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Delta Rho, Sigma Pi and Phi Kappa Theta.

Typically the sororities compete against each other and the fraternities compete against each other so there is one sorority winner and one fraternity winner.

“It’s a really fun but busy week that is all about friendly competition and coming together as Greek life to have some fun before the year ends,” said Annie Segal of Sigma Sigma Sigma.

This year’s events are dodgeball, basketball, volleyball, tug-of-war, corn-hole, trivia pong, propane tank toss, soccer, hockey and the human pyramid.

These are occurring Monday through Thursday.

Depending on where participants place in events, organizations receive points that accumulate all week.

The biggest event is on Friday and takes place in Calihan Hall. It’s called Air Band.

“It’s like a big dance routine,” Segal said.

Organizations selects themes and try to keep them secret.

“The routines are generally seven to ten minutes long,” said Segal. “Some popular themes over the past few years have included the evolution of Miley Cyrus, The Little Mermaid, Made in Detroit, Willy Wonka and Clue.”

Angela Gonzalez of Gamma Phi Beta said the groups go all out with their outfits, props and voice-overs.

“It’s really up to each organization to decide which way they best would like to spice things up and which theme would really make a lasting impression on the judges,” she said. “The point is to have fun and friendly competition within the Greek community.”

Each performance is usually judged by professors and staff.

“This year’s performances are highly anticipated and should be very fun to watch and perform,” Segal said.

Last year, Gamma Phi Beta won the trophy.

“This year will probably feel more competitive than usual due to our ‘winner’ status,” said Callie Bendes of Gamma Phi Beta. “But overall, Greek Week is fun, silly and a slightly competitive way to get all of our organizations together to play some games and strengthen our bond with our individual teams as well as strengthen Greek unity and togetherness.”