Greeks swim, dance for foundation to help blind

Phi Kappa Tau fraternity dances in the water during the synchronized swimming event for the annual Anchor Splash Philanthropy. The event was held last night at Kent Roosevelt High School.

Credit: Andrew popik

Kent State does not have a synchronized swimming team, but maybe it should consider forming one.

Eight fraternities performed synchronized swimming routines at Delta Gamma’s annual Anchor Splash, held inside Kent Roosevelt High School’s natatorium.

Fraternity and sorority members, wearing their Greek letters, packed the natatorium in support of Delta Gamma’s philanthropy, Service for Sight, a foundation that aides the blind and visually impaired.

Philanthropy Chair Stephanie Schempp said approximately $850 was raised.

The night was highlighted by the synchronized swimming competition and also consisted of the Anchor King and Anchor Queen competition and relay races.

Phi Kappa Tau won the synchronized swimming title for the third year in a row, winning the event with its routine involving a giant floating raft and bathing suits that left little to the audience’s imagination.

Matthew Graves, Phi Kappa Tau member, said his group practiced twice a day for the past three days. This was Graves’ fourth and final year participating. He said the competition has gotten tougher each year and made him feel like a “mini-celebrity.”

Ray Campbell, Sigma Nu member, was brave enough to wear a Speedo not only during the synchronized swimming performance but also during his Anchor King interview.

“It felt great,” Campbell said. “I was glad I didn’t horrify the audience.

“Anchor Splash was a really great time. Coming together for a good cause is really what the Greek community is all about. We get to give back to the community and act like goof-balls at the same time.”

Although Campbell showed some skin, the title of Anchor King went to Lambda Chi Alpha member Bryan MacFarland. Megan Sedello, Delta Zeta member, was named Anchor Queen in a beauty-pageant style event.

Contact Greek life reporter Carrie Rupp at [email protected].