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SUNY Plattsburgh Fraternity Takes Home Homecoming 2012 Cup

Sigma Tau Gamma took the cup Saturday, Oct. 20. The fraternity won the Homecoming trophy at the tug-of-war over Hawkins Pond.

The event drew hundreds of students, staff and alumni for the reinvention of a tradition from earlier decades.

It was a muddy, messy event, delayed briefly as a thunderstorm rolled through the area. But the rain made it all the more intense according to Nick Lavigne, Sigma Tau Gamma’s alumni relations coordinator.

“Our childish sides came out because what boy doesn't like rolling around in mud,” he said.

“Between the weather and the combined effort of our chapter, we got more excited each round,” Lavigne said, adding that fraternity members are looking forward to defending their title next year.

Attendees from Far Away

All in all, 478 people — some from as far away as Sweden — signed up for the events.

They came for the tug-of-war, a social at the Monopole, a tailgate tent party and the tale of a journey from SUNY Plattsburgh into the field of archeology by Distinguished Visiting Alumnus Haagen Klaus ’00.

They also came to honor Dr. Mohamed Gaber, recipient of the 2012 Faculty/Staff Impact Award; 2002 graduates Michael and Selviana Bates for earning the Off to a Good Start Award; and new members of the Cardinal Athletic Hall of Fame: the 1975-1976 basketball team, Bryan Murray '01, Niklas Sundberg ’02 and Brian Dodge’76, who was honored posthumously.

Coming Home Again

Alumnus George Fleckenstein ’79 attended as a member of the newly inducted men’s basketball team.

“From the Friday luncheon, the reception at the president’s home, the tailgate tent party, the on-ice introduction at the hockey game and, of course, the induction ceremony, Plattsburgh State made us feel truly honored,” Fleckenstein wrote in an email. “ … I felt like I was home again.

“I will make it my goal to try and return and encourage my ’75-’76 basketball team members to return to Homecoming and the Hall of Fame ceremony every year. … Memories are great — but actually being with and talking to and hugging some of the noteworthy people that helped make your life special — once a year or so — is such a fulfilling experience.”

Mark your calendar for next year’s Homecoming, Oct. 18-20, 2013.

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