Open rush begins for campus fraternities

Though it forced many Interfraternity Council open rush events indoors, yesterday's pouring rain still could not dampen the spirits of hundreds of prospective rushes. Twenty-five fraternities held events yesterday, marking the first day of the IFC's open rush. "If you walked on the Walk, you might have felt that rush was subdued," he added. "But if you checked each individual house, it was apparent that rush was alive and well." Food was a popular theme for the various events, as menus included everything from Sigma Phi Epsilon's "Surf N' Turf" to Delta Upsilon's "Antelope Barbecue." "There was free good food which was a definite plus," said Wharton freshman Mike Palys. Delta Upsilon Rush Chairperson and College senior Mike Healy said last night that rushes were impressed with the fraternity's menu of steak, antelope, venison burgers and tuna. "People's reaction was 'wow, is that really antelope?'" he said. "Rather than just getting free food and leaving, everybody's just hanging out?people coming out are staying for a while, which is a good thing." But unfortunately for those only interested in eating, there is more to rush than just food. "It's a great way to meet people and find out if this is for you," said Wharton sophomore Mark Nevitt, a prospective rushee. Nevitt, who was interviewed while at DU, said he was "really impressed with this place." The beginning of rush elicits for some the question of whether fraternities are in constant competition with each other. Healy suggested that some fraternities may not abide by the IFC's "dry rush" policy, so as to attract more rushees. "If everybody were to stick to the rules, it would be OK -- a level playing field," Healy said. "I don't think it's going to be the level playing field that [the IFC] hoped." But Sig Ep Rush Chairperson and College sophomore Mark Gutierrez said even though he was "sad" that another fraternity copied the "Surf N' Turf" idea this year, the individual fraternities are not all that competitive. "I personally don't think it's a competition," he said. "Wherever someone goes is where they fit in best -- where they feel most comfortable. "You try to get the best guys for your house, and the guys try to get the best house for them," he added. Skyler said he was pleased with the efforts put forth by the individual fraternities on the first day. "I'm very excited and I'm sure it will continue to be as successful as it was today," he said. "The high turnout we had today reflects the positive word of mouth and the positive attitude that has been in part fostered by the increased responsibility of the individual chapters." Open rush continues for a week, and then closed rush runs until Nov. 14, which is the IFC's bid-signing day.

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