DePauw, Wabash Phi Delts to relay Monon Bell game ball for ALS charity

Officers and advisers from the DePauw University and Wabash College Phi Delta Theta chapters meet at midfield last year at Wabash to present the game ball, which had been relayed from DePauw to Wabash as a fundraiser for ALS. This year, the route runs in reverse, with the ball relayed from Wabash to DePauw today. (Courtesy photo)

Members of DePauw University and Wabash College Phi Delta Theta chapters will present the game ball to officials prior to the start of this week's 122nd Monon Bell football game.

The ball will be relayed on foot and bike between the two campuses today in advance of the classic.

"The idea is to raise both awareness and funds for our International fraternity charity the ALS Association," said DePauw Chapter President James Brashaber. "In addition, it help sets a tone for the respect we have for the event and the competition."

ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord. As many as 30,000 Americans may currently be affected by ALS.

The ALS Association is the only national non-profit organization fighting this disease on every level.

As the "Iron Man" Lou Gehrig was a member of Phi Delta Theta, they have adopted ALS as their international charity.

The Monon Bell football game, first held in 1890, is staged annually between Wabash and DePauw -- two stalwarts of NCAA Division III athletics and both highly regarded national liberal arts colleges. The trophy is an old locomotive bell donated by the Monon Railroad Line, which once had service between the two cities.

Wabash Phi Delts will take the ball halfway between Crawfordsville and Greencastle. Then, a team of DePauw Phis will bring it the rest of the way on foot and bike.

"This is the third consecutive year for the event" said chapter adviser CJ Johnston '83. "This year, we'll eclipse $10,000 in donations to ALS. We are grateful to DePauw Athletic Director Stevie Baker-Watson for her support of this very positive event."