Greeks meet for annual chariot races and field games

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Members from Alpha Sigma Tau (left chariot) race against members of Alpha Sigma Alpha as everyone cheers them on at the Greek Week Field and Chariot games.

An energized group of Greeks welcomed the sun and some friendly competition at Radford University's annual chariot races and field games.

Members of the Greek Life community battled on April 18 in a series of competitive events to test their strength and creativity. Colorful, handmade chariots lined the intramural fields where students performed some last-minute repairs and touchups.

"It's a perfect day for this," said Alpha Sigma Tau sorority member Kayla Ackelson.

Ackelson and her teammates nicknamed their green and yellow chariot the "Turtle Shell." The small yet sturdy carriage was handed down by their sorority sisters.

"Each year we add to it," Ackelson said, pointing toward the decorated No. 8 on its side, which pays tribute to the chapter's eight founders.

This was Ackelson's second year participating in Greek Week, an occasion she looks forward to each year, she said.

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Sigma Phi Epsilon (right) took first place in the chariot races.

Greek Week is an annual Radford University effort organized to showcase Greeks' commitment to service and philanthropy, along with a flare of fun and competition. Events began April 13 with a kickball tournament and concluded the following weekend with the Circle of Sisterhood 5K. Throughout the week, students collected canned goods for the Phoenix Outreach food bank. At the Philanthropy Carnival, more than $250 was raised. Fifty percent of the profits will go toward the Women's Resource Center, and the rest will be divided amongst the winning chapters' national philanthropies.

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Sorority sisters participate in the tug of war competition.

Each event offered an opportunity for members to earn points for their sorority or fraternity based on participation and other criteria. The chapters that earned the most points will be announced at the end-of-year Greek Life Awards.

Plenty of points and bragging rights were up for grabs at the field games and chariot races.

First, fraternities and sororities cheered members who heaved and hung tight during a lively tug of war match. Hands gripped on the rope and heels dug in the ground, teams were eliminated one by one as winners yanked their opponents across the threshold. Delta Zeta and Delta Chi claimed victories.

Later, two other teams won the gold in the chariot races in which brave drivers were sped around the field by their teammates. Some chariots remained intact; others weren't so fortunate.

The 26-inch wheels on Sigma Phi Epsilon's chariot may have aided in the fraternity's first-place victory. The driver's confidence didn't hurt their chances, either.

"I got this," said chariot driver Justin Daniels.

Sorority Zeta Tau Alpha placed first in the chariot races.

Apr 23, 2015