Beta Theta Pi’s annual Beta Boat race took place in the LMU pool on April 23, bringing together students for a fun-filled day of racing and raising money for a great cause at the same time.
The event was held to raise funds for the Santa Monica Rape and Treatment Center, which provides vital support services to survivors of sexual assault in the local area, including medical care, counseling, and legal support. Over $1,000 was raised that afternoon by the fraternity.
The fundraiser consisted of several different boat races, including raft racing and anything-but-a-boat relay. Money was raised through the racers and supporters of the event who bought t-shirts and stickers. Ben Brookbanks and Sam Camper are seniors who started organizing the event earlier this year, and couldn’t be happier with the final results.
“It was great to bring back Beta Boat Races after four years,” said Camper. “It was a challenge to communicate the idea of the event since no one has ever seen it in its entirety. Nevertheless, the event was a huge success and the turnout was better than expected. And I’m excited to see the chapter carry on this event for the years to come!”
The races were fiercely competitive, with each team vying for bragging rights, and most importantly, getting free tickets to Disneyland. There was excitement not only from the racers, but spectators in the crowd who couldn’t help but match the level of hype surrounding the event. Splashes and screams competed to be the loudest sound in the pool during the competition and lifeguards stood ready as some teams tried to sabotage others.
Eight teams competed to get each member of their team back and forth from each end of the pool, but after an extremely close race, four racers were crowned victors. The winners were CJ Plantemoli, Jake Croteau, Evan Sciancalepore, and Sam Richard.
“I’m honestly kind of in shock that we won after all that,” said Sciancalepore. “I feel like this spring semester has been kind of a bummer weather-wise so to come out here today and have a kind of child-like fun, especially for a good cause, you can’t help but feel experiences like this are nothing short of special.”
The success of this year’s boat races is sure to make a staple on LMU’s spring 2023 calendar, with plans already underway for next year’s event. And while the races themselves may have been the main attraction, it’s important to remember the reason why it was done, to raise money for the the Santa Monica Rape and Treatment Center so it can continue to provide help for those that need it.
