Members of DePauw University and Wabash College Phi Delta Theta Fraternity chapters presented the game ball to officials prior to the start of the 121st Monon Bell football game.

The ball was relayed on foot and bicycle between the two campuses in advance of the classic.

“The idea is to raise both awareness and funds for our International Fraternity charity The ALS Association,” DePauw Chapter President Jack Forde ‘16 said. “In addition, it help sets a tone for the respect we have for the event and the competition,” shared Wabash’s Chapter President Keaton Holsinger ’15

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 “Iron Man” Lou Gehrig was a member of Phi Delta Theta, the Fraternity has adopted ALS as its 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 that once had service between the two cities.

DePauw Phi Delts carried the ball halfway between Greencastle and Crawfordsville. From there, they handed the ball to members of the Wabash Phi Delts who delivered to their campus.

A pregame presentation brought further recognition to this important cause.

“We are committed to making this an annual event,” shared DePauw’s Matt Curran ‘17.

This year, more than $7,000 was raised for the Indiana Chapter of The ALS Association. Wabash alumni won the fundraising challenge and were awarded the game ball for chapter house display.