Last Thursday, Phi Mu hosted its first Mr. Phi Mu competition. Hopkins men showcased their talent and bodies through dance, a swimsuit competition, talent competition and a question and answer session. The event raised more than $2,500, which was given as a donation to the American Cancer Society in memory of sister Katie Oppo.
Sigma Epsilon Phi freshman Thomas Wray won the competition, as he got the most votes from the crowd and brought in the most money.
Sophomore Phi Mu sister Erika Sanchez began planning for the competition, hoping to bring in a large crowd. “To put on a production which over 400 people attended needed a foundation of everyone’s ideas and efforts, and a collaboration of everyone,” she said.
It took months of preparation to find a location, decide the specifics of the events and find participants. Sanchez also explained how she and her sisters wanted the event to not only be aimed for members of Greek Life on campus. “I knew I had to get a majority of the social community . . . We went to BSU, sports teams and the frats,” Sanchez said. The outreach was successful in doing so: 15 men represented sports teams and fraternities volunteered to be a part of the showcase.
As the planning continued, Phi Mu had to work as a group to overcome obstacles to get the event.
“It was first supposed to be in Shriver, but April is a busy month, it was entirely booked,” Sanchez said.
Searching for some time, she and her sisters eventually found Bloomberg auditorium and booked it. This team effort and sisterly support continued up until and during the day of the competition.
Just before the event was about to begin, the girls realized that the sound system was not functioning properly. Phi Mu sophomore Marni Aronson had to rush on stage and adjusted the electronics, fixing the problem.
Phi Mu sisters ordained with pink sat in the front row to give support to their sisters who had dedicated months to organize the event. The night started off with a dance choreographed by two sophomore Phi Mu sisters Ashley Lloyd and Malena Silva.
Masters of ceremony freshman Phi Mu Earllonda Brooks and junior Luke Sand introduced the competitors for the swimsuit competition. Wearing Speedos and miniature bathing suits, the boys strutted around the stage. Sophomore Nick Erdenberger and senior JJ Giampa from Beta Theta Pi received huge cheers from the crowd while they posed in their suits. Freshman swimmer Sean Glass did a little dance for the crowd wearing a cheetah-print thong.
“I am very comfortable in my own skin,” Glass said.
Freshman Brendon Evans acted out an imitation of the Old Spice man and played jazz on his saxophone. He enjoyed the performance.
“I felt like the man your man could smell like,” Evans said.
The talent competition also included a performance of Justin Bieber’s song “Baby” by Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s sophomore Andrew Hersh and a rendition of Napoleon Dynamite’s dance by sophomore lacrosse player Chase Winters.
The talent of Alpha Delta Phi brother senior Brian Hopkins was somewhat controversial. While balancing on a yoga ball, he drank beers handed to him by his fraternity brothers.
“I thought it was unique and entertaining, but the beer chugging took away from the rest of the act,” sophomore JJ Braddock said.
Freshman Nicket Dedhia felt otherwise. “I thought it was hilarious and I was impressed by his balancing skill,“ he said.
The question and answer part of the event showcased the competitors’ wit and ability to think under pressure. Questions asked by Hopkins’s very own Carrie Bennett (“Shush Lady”) aimed to bring laughter from the crowd.
Mr. Phi Mu was such a success that Phi Mu plans to host another competition next year.
“It’s such a great cause, participants were great and we hope it becomes an event every year,” Sanchez said.
