Kappa Sigma fraternity held their first annual tailgate on Monday, Feb. 3 between 5:30-7 p.m. in the Mini-Dome before the ETSU’s basketball game against Mercer. The event was open to all students, and doubled as a recruitment event.

“We got into a little trouble last year, and because of that people think we disappeared,” said Rush chairman Andrew Smith. “This event will kick off our recruiting for the spring and hopefully get our name back out there. We have some more stuff planned in the future, including an invitation-only event being held at W.M. King Clothiers, which will be at a more private setting.”

Kappa Sigma is rebuilding after difficulties last semester, when they lost a significant portion of their over 50-man chapter.

After regrouping, the fraternity now has 15 men and are dedicated to rebuilding.

The guys were out in full force, sporting their new “Rush Kappa Sigma,” shirts were based off The North Face logo.

The event featured numerous games of cornhole as well as other attractions.

High Cotton Ties, a clothing company based out of North Carolina, sponsored the event. The company specializes in making handmade cotton bow ties, cummerbund sets and headbands. Accessories were made available to purchase at the event.

Kappa Sigma’s campus representative Will Sterchi explained the significance of High Cotton Ties.

He said that their bow ties are made from 100 percent pure cotton, as opposed to a silk alternative, which allows the bow ties to be washed regularly.

Their website, highcottonties.com, says “We are firm believers that bow ties should be a regular part of a gentleman’s wardrobe, not just for formal occasions.”

Their booth had numerous displays of their handmade textiles, as well as numerous free items such as koozies and stickers.

Cici’s Pizza, whose owner is a Kappa Sigma alumnus, also donated 25 pizzas to feed the individuals in support.

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