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Annual Mud Bowl At University Of Michigan Set To Continue Despite Fraternity Fracas

ANN ARBOR (WWJ/AP) - Former members of a now-disbanded fraternity chapter at the University of Michigan say they're continuing a muddy tradition despite objections from the school and the national fraternity.

The 82nd annual Mud Bowl is scheduled to take place Saturday morning outside the former Sigma Alpha Epsilon house.

Water dumped in the yard makes for muddy play at the charity touch football game, which is held in conjunction with the Ann Arbor school's homecoming events. It was at risk of ending, but some former SAE members decided to host it as independent students.

The group called the "Flying Eagles" says they'll play another group of students.

Officials from the university's Interfraternity Council and Office of Greek Life have been encouraging their members not to participate.

"We actually have bylaws and policies that prohibit participating in those events, and we're discussing sanctions if students do participate in the event," Devin Berghorst, assistant director of U-M's Office of Greek Life, told the Ann Arbor News.

The event was in jeopardy of being canceled after the local chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon was suspended due to "health-and-safety violations and the failure of members to uphold … policies and procedures."

The Mud Bowl has raised more than $100,000 for Mott Children's Hospital in the past five years alone. This year will be the first time that a non-fraternity competes.

TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

 

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