For three days every year during the spring semester, the Greek community sororities engage in a fierce battle for bragging rights and the title of Derby Days champion. Derby Days is fraternity Sigma Chi’s Theme Week during which money is raised for their philanthropies Children’s Miracle Network and the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
According to the Sigma Chi Derby Days manual, “Derby Days affords each chapter the opportunity to bring honor and respect to Sigma Chi. Similarly, it is an excellent opportunity to promote brotherhood, the spirit of community service, and a positive Greek image.”
The objective of Derby Days is to win the most points through different competitions.
The main source of the competition is the hat-stealing portion where brothers of Sigma Chi are assigned to a sorority and given plastic hats for girls of opposing sororities to try and steal throughout the three days.
The other competitions are the Derby Dash (another hat stealing event), a Volleyball competition and Dodgeball.
Peter Sanchez, a brother of Sigma Chi, said he believes that Derby Days is more than just a series of competition.
“Derby Days nationally is the biggest event on almost all college campuses,” Sanchez said. “In fact it is the reason why Sigma Chi raises more money than any other Fraternity when it comes to philanthropic work.”
He also emphasized the positive aspects that Derby Days has on the UT Greek community.“Derby Days is an excellent opportunity to show the entire university the great work that Sigma Chi and the Greek community does when it comes to donating to great organizations.”
Sororities take Derby Day competitions very seriously, especially the hat stealing. Girls are known for creating cunning plans to swipe the hats from wherever they and the boys possessing them are being hidden.
Girls also escort the boys on their teams to and from classes, often guarding their dorms.
Chardene Williams is a sister of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority and she always anticipates the fierce competition of Derby Days.
“I think Derby days is really exciting because it’s when the Greek life actually gets together and is fighting for the same thing,” Williams said. “It gives us a sense of unity and a solid sense of Greek life. And I mean, who hates tackling someone for a hat?”
Brent Grunig, the coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life, said that although there is intense competition, much good comes out of the money raised.
“As with all fraternity and sorority theme week and philanthropy events, Derby Days brings awareness and education to the members of the Greek community,” Grunig said. “By engaging the Panhellenic organizations in friendly and spirited competition, our local Sigma Chi chapter raises funds and awareness for their cause. The sororities involved in the three-day event look forward to the spirited activity and friendly competition to support Sigma Chi and their philanthropic efforts.”
Mia Glatter can be reached at Mia.Glatter@theminaretonline.com