Friday January 27, 2012 marked the end of rush and the beginning of the pledging process.  Patrick Maccoon and Aaron Davis, the two newest pledges of Phi Delta Theta Tennessee Gamma, are pictured in front of Big Ed’s, a local pizzeria traditionally visited by the brothers on bid night.

We truly look forward to sharing many wonderful experiences in our new house! A great debt of gratitude is in order for the brothers and alumni who have strived to commit the fraternity, not only, not less, but greater than it was transmitted to them.

To start off, the team had to build their chariot. Numerous Brothers spent the night prior to the race helping build the chariot to perfection. Late into Friday night, the “General Lee” chariot was finally completed and ready to compete after a paint job.

On Saturday afternoon, around 2pm, the Brothers headed down to Market Square to set up for the race. At 3pm, with multiple teams ready to challenge for the trophy, the races began. Teams consisted of three members who came from all over Tennessee, and the audience was full of spectators who came out to enjoy the festivities and cheer on the racers.

The Phi Delts were victorious their first two races, advancing to the championship. Unfortunately, in their final race the “Dukes of Knoxville” were defeated by a narrow margin, settling for 2nd Place.



Beginning at 10am, the team went to the store for the necessary ingredients, and by noon, were in the kitchen cooking to meet a 4:45pm deadline. The kitchen in their residence, known as The Shire, provided a wonderful space to cook, and Matt and Will worked throughout the afternoon to finish their dishes in time.

At 5pm it was judgment time. The team plated their food for the judges, whom consisted of a UT Culinary School professor, Miss Knoxville, and an assistant Hall Director. Since we were the last team to be judged, a short time later, the results were in; Phi Delt took the third place trophy!

Brothers Nichols and McMillan enjoyed the competition and hope next year’s team takes first prize. They would also like to thank recent alumnus, Brother Mitch Agee for hanging out and lending the occasional helpful hand while in visiting Knoxville.

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Jared Jones – President – (615) 828-4726

Frank Unger – Recruitment Chair – (609) 703-2433

Nathaniel Pall – Alumni Chair – (219) 628-0399

After a quick strategy session with our coach, Carly, the festivities started with the always exciting explanation of the rules. Following the safety brief, the guys went to gear up. Phi Delta Theta was set to play Kappa Sigma in the first game of the day, which ended in a draw.

The group took a break at the food tent as the rest of the first round matches played out. While they got some grub and water, it was decided there would be a rematch at the end of the first round to decide the winner of the first game.

The first round matches ended, and it was time to get a win, in order to stay alive. Initially, the tide swung Phi Delt’s way as they were up, but soon the momentum changed. Kappa Sigma’s last man knocked out Kimble and Wunder to defeat Phi Delt, and took the team out of the winner’s bracket.

Since Phi Delta Theta won last year, it was decided they would get a bye in the first round of the three-team loser’s bracket. Unfortunately, when the guys got a chance to play again, they were quickly defeated by Sigma Phi Epsilon, ending Paintblast 2010 for the Phi Delts.

Although the day ended in defeat, the guys had a great time with the ladies of Alpha Chi Omega, and look forward to Paintblast 2011!

The team this year consisted of brothers Will Nichols (‘05), Cory Kimble (‘06), Andrew Smith (‘06), Chase Wunder (‘09), and Logan Cochran (‘09).