One of the most memorable experiences of Honors Scholars weekend was the Phi Delt Bouts.  I even made sure to get a good seat last year and hope to go again if I’m on campus that weekend.  It’s actually one of the social high-lights for the weekend with recruits. 

The idea is that freshman in the Phi Delt volunteer to participate in a boxing match against another freshman in the house.  The contenders are paired up as closely as possible according to weight.  Once the “areana” (an in-ground basketball court just outside the basement squared off to look like a ring) is filled with spectators, whether they’re in chairs, spectating   from ground level, or watching from the upper level windows of the house, the events begin.  At the same time, donation buckets are passed around for the boys and girls club; it is a charitable event.  Each opponent is then marched out with their own theme music, shirtless, in a biting cold of around 40 degrees.  Each match goes for three rounds, but everyone always anticipates the final heavyweight match….believe me, there have been some pretty “big” heavyweights titles fought in that courtyard. 

All in all, it’s fun getting to see some new faces or even recruits from the swim team mixed with other students on campus while enjoying free pizza afterwards.  If you’re a prospective student, you definitely can’t miss the Phi Delt Bouts when you’re here for Honors Scholars.