Greek Week kicks off at 'U'

As they passed a student up through the crowd, his scream joined the shouts of the cheerleaders and people dancing in the aisles.

But the spirit and intensity that would rival a Michigan-Ohio State football game were not in support of the Wolverines.

The cheers were th ose of about 700 students who attended last night's Mr. Greek Week Contest - the official kick-off of the 10-day Greek Week festivities.

Bradley Holcman, a Kinesiology junior and president of the Interfraternity Council, said the event aimed to provide "fun for the entire campus community."

Holcman said the event's proceeds, which went to charity, were just the beginning of the Greek Community's goal of raising $100,000 during Greek Week.

JOHN KRAFT/Daily Engineering senior Ramon Johnson, a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, impersonates Dennis Rodman last night during the "hero" portion of the Mr. Greek Week Contest at the Power Center. Johnson placed first in the contest.

During the competition, which featured 28 contestants from various Greek organizations, fraternity representatives strutted their stuff in a tuxedo competition and demonstrated their sense of humor in a "hero" portion as they portrayed the person they "most admired."

Engineering senior Ramon Johnson, who placed first for the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, said the hero portion was meant to be a little less than serious.

"It's supposed to be a pun," said Johnson, the Michigan Marching Band's drum major. "I picked Dennis Rodman For the competition, Johnson donned both a wedding gown and a basketball uniform.

"I hear it's a wild time," Johnson said before the competition began. "I'm pretty nervous about being on stage."

Audience members said they expected a crazy and entertaining evening.

"It should be a unique and great way to get to know people," said Chris Nedzlek, founder of Sigma Phi Epsilon and LSA first-year student. The fraternities "can expose ourselves to the sororities."

But the competition, which featured impersonators of Superfan, Pee Wee Herman and Adam Sandler, did not only attract Greek system members.

"We drove down from Brighton to watch the event," said Mel and Carol Paunovich, whose son, LSA first-year student Joe Paunovich, was representing Sigma Chi. "We're glad he's getting involved."

Organizers said the event was only a prelude to the events that will follow in the next 10 days.

"The real fun will be next Wednesday," Holcman said, referring to the Sing and Variety event that will be held at Hill Auditorium next week.

Today, Greek Week events will include Sumo Wrestling and a Limbo Contest. Events this week include Diag Day tomorrow and Greek Olympics on Saturday.

A blood drive will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Anderson Room of the Union on Friday.

Holcman said a great deal of money was spent on the 10-day series of competitions, but it will be more than worth the money.

Greek Week "is almost two-fold," Holcman said. "It's 10 days of community service and a lot of fun."

Holcman said the events will show the community that Greek organizations "do more than party."

The week involves 49 Greek organizations and includes goals of fund raising and donating blood.

"We've been told that (some of the events) can get pretty racy," said LSA senior James Kanary, a representative of Pi Kappa Alpha.

"But it is a great way to get students involved in Greek life."

03-17-98