By Bailey Musselman '18

Eleven teams of Knox College students got together for some friendly competition at a campus kickball tournament, raising more than $2,300 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The well-known institution treats kids with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

The kickball tournament, known as Triple Play, is an annual spring tradition hosted by Knox's chapter of Delta Delta Delta sorority.

The event brought together students involved in different clubs and organizations all over the Knox campus. 

Libby Richmond '18, Delta Delta Delta's philanthropy chair, organized the kickball tournament—spending more than two months recruiting teams, working with St. Jude Hospital, and driving around Galesburg to find sponsors and prizes. 

"It's a huge philanthropy event, and it raises so much money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which ensures that no family of a child with cancer has to pay for travel or treatment," said Richmond.

Each team in the tournament pledged to raise $200 for St. Jude Hospital. The Knox College chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity created two kickball teams and raised $400.

Cultural clubs helped with the tournament by serving food for the student players and the fans. Food sales by AAINA and Lo Nuestro raised around $200 for St. Jude.

Bob Lallky '19, a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, said he enjoyed his first time at Triple Play.

"I participated in the tournament to spend time with my brothers and support St. Jude," said Lallky. "I had a blast and will definitely do it again." 

The tournament not only served to bring the Knox community together. It brought together the Galesburg community as well, with many local businesses helping raise money for the hospital.

Sponsors included local businesses Acapulco's and The Beanhive, along with Knox fraternities Beta Theta Pi and Phi Gamma Delta. Local businesses also donated gift cards, coffee, and other items.

At the end of the tournament, teams were recognized for their fundraising efforts and team victories.

Alpha Phi Omega, the service fraternity on campus, raised the most money with $430. Kappa Kappa Gamma placed second with $275.

The GDI team won the kickball tournament for the third consecutive year. Mike Martin '17 has played with the team all three years.

"I keep participating in Triple Play each year because it is always a fun experience," Martin said. "St. Jude is an inspiring organization, and it's great knowing that we get to raise awareness through the tournament."

The Prairie Fire Men's Soccer Team has been the tournament's runner-up for the past three years. The team hopes to take the title next year.

"Team spirit was through the roof, and I'm very proud of how close our team became throughout the tournament," said Sam Tatum '18. 

Richmond encourages more students to attend the event next year. 

"It creates a bond between a bunch of different organizations," said Richmond. "This event just further shows how incredible we are as a community at Knox, and how we are constantly working together towards something meaningful."