“This is the first year we’re doing it for St. Jude’s,” Ptsashnik, a kinesiology junior, said. “We had a brother in the fraternity who was a pediatric cancer survivor and on top of that September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness month, so we wanted to be involved.”

Philanthropy co-chair Ryan Poland agreed. He said Sigma Pi wanted to change their cause.

“(St. Jude’s) was the first one who came to mind,” Poland, a finance sophomore, said. “We wanted one where we could make a difference and start a tradition, and it’s a big name.”

Poland said they have been planning this event since mid-July, with things becoming finalized in the past weeks.

“I’m pretty happy that it’s all come together,” he said. “There’s no better feeling than seeing something you’ve been working on since July go well and run smoothly.”

The elimination-style tournament consisted of 16 teams total, with eight boys teams and eight girls teams. Each game needed 15 points to win with a two point lead. The winning teams received a trophy.

Each team had to pay a 115 dollar fee that covered a donation, shirts for each team member, and food.

Poland said the donations have been successful. In addition to the donations included in the team fee, they received single donations.

“We had a single donor who gave us a check for 400 dollars,” he said.

Physiology senior Julie Frankowski played in the tournament. She said she enjoyed the atmosphere and helping the Sigma Pi brothers reach their goal.

“I guess I would describe (the atmosphere) as friendly competitiveness,” Frankowski said. “I’m glad I could support the cause.”

Supply chain management junior Ashley Menning agreed. She said she participated because her friends needed another team member and she was happy to help both her friends and Sigma Pi.

“It’s fun to support each other’s philanthropies,” Menning said. “I like having one where we can help and compete at the same time.”