University of Michigan graduate Jennifer Heyman has a lot of fond memories about the grassy field at the corner of Washtenaw and S. University in Ann Arbor. It's where she got down and dirty some 30 years ago at the Mud Bowl, the decades-old annual charity football tournament played among Greek organizations across campus.
"It is most definitely a Michigan tradition," Heyman said. "It was super fun, I was a Chi Omega, we played the Kappa Alpha Thetas, it was great. It was a real honor to be in it," she described.
The muddy affair happens on the lawn of fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon each fall during homecoming festivities, and proceeds benefit the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.
Outside the chapter house Friday, a large scoreboard is already hyping up this year's 82nd annual Mud Bowl. The only problem is the chapter is no longer recognized.
SAE was suspended this summer by its national chapter because of "health and safety violations." The chapter lost its university recognition in 2011 over hazing allegations.
Brandon Weghorst, associate executive director of communications for SAE, released the following statement:
"The Sigma Alpha Epsilon headquarters closed its University of Michigan chapter this summer as a result of health-and-safety violations and the failure of members to uphold the stringent policies and procedures outlined by the national organization. Our leadership has zero tolerance for actions and behaviors that live up to our values and morals. The closure will last for a period of no less than four years, and all of the members have been suspended — meaning they do not hold any rights and privileges in the fraternity. Similarly, they are not permitted to act or to conduct any events in the name of SAE."
But former SAE members say they don't need the endorsement for this year's Mud Bowl, because they're not billing it as an SAE-sponsored event.
"Now it's not affiliated with Greek life at all. It's open to all University of Michigan students, and anyone can compete," said former SAE member Brett Mizzi.
The Mud Bowl traditionally pitted other Greek life organizations against each other in an elimination-style competition and the winner was invited to play SAE on the fraternity's lawn.
This year, members of the Interfraternity Council (IFC) at Michigan collectively decided not to participate.
Joshua Johnston, who serves as vice president of another fraternity, said taking part in the event hosted by members of a "rogue" fraternity might reflect poorly on them. He said their organization wanted "to send a message to former SAE that we will not stand for the activities that they partake in."
University of Michigan and Greek life officials on campus are also not backing this year's Mud Bowl.
University spokesman Rick Fitzgerald wrote in a statement:
"The mud bowl is a long-standing University of Michigan tradition, but also one that has had many health and safety concerns associated with it over the years.
"The Interfraternity Council, the self-governing body of fraternities on our campus, has a clear policy on not allowing fraternities to host or co-host events with disaffiliated groups. Sigma Alpha Epsilon lost its university recognition in 2011 and this year the SAE national office closed the chapter.
"Thus far, the former members of SAE have not been interested in allowing the event to come under IFC sponsorship or the sponsorship of another fraternity.
"Because of that, IFC fraternity chapters that will not be participating in the event are considering what actions they can take to continue to provide financial support to Mott Children's Hospital."
Still, the long-standing college football tradition has plenty of support from ex-members and other students who want to see the Mud Bowl live on. A petition on Change.org has already garnered more than 1,500 signatures.
Mizzi said the cloud of disbandment won't put a damper on what's unique to Michigan.
"It's a charity event, it's philanthropic, it's for a good cause, and it's fun, it's a lot of fun," Mizzi said.
Mizzi said the Mud Bowl will take place on Saturday, Oct. 10 before the Michigan vs. Northwestern game and will be open to any group of students or organization who want to play in the 7-on-7 play-in tournament.
