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Michigan Alpha Centennial 1964

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    The Centennial Celebration 1964 jointly hosted by the Michigan Alpha Alumni Association and active chapter.

Homecoming 2013

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    Homecoming 2013 at 1437 Washtenaw.

Harmon BBQ 2013

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    BBQ at the chapter house to honor Tom Harmon '41.

Homecoming 2012

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    BBQ revives tradition attracting strong alumni attendance.

Mud Bowl

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    A PHOTO HISTORY OF THE MUD BOWL 1934 to 1997 ~ MICHIGAN'S GREATEST FRATERNITY ATHLETIC RIVALRY During the fall of 1934, Phi Delta Theta (PDT) active member E. Reed Low '37 challenged the "house across the street" (Sigma Alpha Epsilon -- SAE) to a friendly game of "touch" football on the morning of Homecoming in a little used valley in their side yard along South University. Low is considered the founder of the Mud Bowl. The men of PDT and SAE fought a close match which SAE narrowly won 8 - 6. Given the intense rivalry between the two fraternities which were located only a couple hundred feet apart, it was decided that the Mud Bowl would be an annual event. The Mud Bowl became a revered Homecoming tradition as PDT and SAE fiercely battled each year for nothing more than pride. In the early years, the game essentially was a rough intramural football match played on a field that was wetter and shorter than regulation. As the annual contest matured, it was decided that the challenge and entertainment value of the game could be enhanced by tilling the ground and flooding the field. Eventually, the Ann Arbor Fire Department contributed to making the mayhem on the field even more muddy by pouring approximately 10,000 gallons of water into the valley shortly before the game. By kickoff of games played in the 1970s through the 1990s, it was not uncommon for the mud to be more than one foot deep with water covering the west end of the "field." The PDT-SAE rivalry series in the Mud Bowled ended in 1997 after the 60th game between the two fraternities was played. The records about these 60 games are a combination of fact and myth, but no one disputes that this was the greatest fraternity athletic rivalry in the State of Michigan if not the entire nation. The Mud Bowl grew into such a spectacle that crowds numbering in the thousands showed up each year to witness the game. The game attracted coverage by Sports Illustrated, ESPN, ABC Sports as well as campus, Ann Arbor and Detroit media. The Mud Bowl became so popular that national brewing companies -- at first Stroh's, and then Miller -- sponsored the event. Of course, some people have speculated that the presence of sororities playing football, or speedball in some years, during the half-time may have garnered most of the great public interest in the event. Nonetheless the athleticism and intensity of the PDT-SAE matchups proved to be very entertaining for the fans. While the exact win-loss tally is subject to dispute, it is believed that PDT rightly boasts a few more victories in the series than SAE. Given that SAE hand picked the referees for each Mud Bowl, a PDT victory typically required overcoming the opposing players plus the men in stripes. For this reason, PDT's hard fought "losses" remain as much a source of pride as its many victories. If you have pictures or memories of the Mud Bowl to share with the Alumni Association's Heritage Project, please contact us at [email protected].

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Homecoming 2010 

Michigan Alpha Military Heroes Posthumously Honored 

Craig Waldinger honored pic

[Posted October 20, 2010]  In keeping with Michigan Alpha tradition, the 2010 Homecoming Open House on October 16 at 1437 Washtenaw brought together recent and old alums to enjoy camaraderie and share good memories over a continental breakfast. 

With a pure blue sky and bright sun, the crisp morning air felt refreshing. The leaves on the mighty oak trees in the yard showed fall colors. The chapterhouse was clean while the present and past glories of the chapter were on display in the Trophy Room. The active brothers were on hand to welcome alums. 

Many alums have had this enjoyable experience countless times; however, attendees of Homecoming 2010 were treated to program that was truly special. The highlight of the Alumni Association and the active chapter’s program was to honor our fallen heroes U.S. Navy Cmdr. Phil Craig ’63 and U.S. Navy Lt. Scott “Harv” Waldinger ’86. 

Formal remarks were made about both men’s involvement with the chapter when they were active members as well as their fine military service to our nation that unfortunately ended when they made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. 

Alumni Association President JT (Tom) Buck ’77 said, “During their years as actives members in the fraternity, Brother Craig and Brother Waldinger were popular with the brothers of their eras and held leadership positions in the house. After graduating, they went on to distinguished, although sadly too brief, careers defending our nation.“ 

“They exemplify the best values of Phi Delta Theta,” said Buck.  “We will never forget them, and honor their memories in the chapter house to inspire future generations of Phis.”

Framed pictures of both men were then presented for permanent display on the prestigious walls of the chapter house’s Trophy Room. 

A number of alums who were active members with either Brother Craig or Brother Waldinger attended the program including Terry Miller ’60, Dr. Harry Huffaker ’61, Dr. Ted Ludwig ’61, Dave Hood ’63, Rich Worsham ’67, Tony Hagelgans ’87, Greg Karmazin ’87, Dan Dretler ’88, Pete Karmanos ’88 and Chris Shepard ’88. 

The Alumni Association is planning to host the 2011 Homecoming Open House before the Purdue game on October 29.

For more pictures of Homecoming 2010, CLICK HERE.

 

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