On Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, the Delta Phi chapter of Phi Sigma Sigma hosted their annual philanthropy event, “Mr. Phi Sig.” The event was hosted to raise money for the organization’s philanthropy, The Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation.
The dazzling event was emceed by the vibrant Kass Ketcho of the University’s track and field team, and Sabrina Merola, a sister of Phi Sigma Sigma. Ketcho and Merola kicked off the event by introducing the seven male contestants competing for the title of Mr. Phi Sig 2021. These handsome young men competed in three different categories and stole the hearts of the judges and the audience in doing so.
The first category allowed the guys to introduce themselves and share some of their best (and maybe worst) pickup lines. While some contestants like Mark charmed the ladies in the crowd with adorable lines like, “Are you an electrician? Because you’re definitely lighting up my day and night,” others shocked the audience with more X-rated phrases.
An immediate favorite among the crowd and judges alike was senior contestant Vito. During this portion of the contest, he walked across the stage clad in an all-black outfit and Gucci belt. Bianca Martino, a judge representing Delta Phi Epsilon said of his catwalk, “The tighter the pants, the higher the score!”
After the men introduced themselves to the crowd the talent portion commenced. This segment allowed the guys to express themselves creatively. The first contestant to perform was Austin, a running back for the University’s football team. Austin serenaded the audience with an impressive rendition of Chris Brown’s ballad, “With You.” His smooth voice hypnotized the audience, who responded with roaring cheers and applause.
Next up was Ryan, who solved a Rubik’s cube for the audience. While he didn’t finish it in 20 seconds as he declared in his pick-up line, the judges were (somewhat) impressed by the fact that he completed it in just several minutes. Rachel Snyder, a judge representing Alpha Sigma Tau exclaimed, “At least we know he’s good with his hands!”
Also showcasing musical talents were Thomas, Marc, Mike, Eric, and Vito. Thomas, who is “everything you want in a man,” according to Ketcho sang along to Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon.” Mark followed with a performance to Lil Uzi Vert’s “XO Tour Llif3.”
Perhaps bringing the most energy was Thomas, who presented the audience with a musical mashup to songs like “It’s Getting Hot in Here,” “Soulja Boy,” and “All I Do Is Win.” Thomas, clad in a green superhero cape cartwheeled across the stage, ran through the audience, and even did the worm. All of the judges were astonished at how lively this performance was. Bella Lainez, a host representing Alpha Omicron Pi said, “I have to say, he really brought the energy!”
Following Thomas’ act was Erik, who sang and danced in a bright blue crop top to Olivia Rodrigo’s hit, “Good For You.” While many of the guys performed songs from hit artists, Vito performed an original song called “Mixed Signals,” which he says has over two million streams on Spotify. Accompanied on stage by his friend Gene, the judges loved everything about the performance, from his turtleneck to his tight pants, and of course, the tune!
The next and final segment of the event was the Q&A, which allowed each contestant to answer serious questions about mental health, philanthropy, and education. With all of the contestants’ answers and performances in mind, the judges discussed who the winner of the competition would be.
At the end of the event, it was announced that Vito would be crowned this year’s Mr. Phi Sigma Sigma!
This event was certainly one for the books, and the best part of all was that it was for a great cause! For more information on the sisterhood of Phi Sigma Sigma, check out their Instagram, @phisigmu.
