Acacia - Indiana University

T he Acacia Fraternity Bike Team earned its best finish since refounding in 2015, placing 14th (two laps off the winning Jetblach squad, which was coached to its first Little 500 victory by Acacian Courtney Bishop '86). It was a satisfying finish for an almost all-rookie team—and during a spring when Acacia's participation in the race very nearly didn't happen. "We learned we could actually ride in the race just 28 hours before the gun was scheduled to go off," said Phil "Bilko" Stephens '87, race day team mechanic and a member of the 1991 championship team. IU's cease-and-desist order, placed on the Chapter April 15, meant no Little 500 and no organized bike team training. The Chapter asked for an exemption, an increasingly common request as IU Greek organizations face disciplinary sanctions, but IU balked. Chapter leadership was not forthcoming about misconduct charges, and IU had little interest in supporting the bike team if Acacia leaders continued to be deceptive. "It was stressful on everyone, especially the riders," Phil said. "Here they were, training all year long, and their own Chapter officers were sabotaging their chance to compete." Behind the scenes, team coach Justin Fox '95 worked all possible angles to clarify what was needed; that helped get track time just two days prior to the race. Finally, a well-reasoned plea from team captain Clay Keiser '20, son of Todd Keiser '84, convinced IU to let the team ride. "[It was a] huge relief to us," Clay said. "We only wanted a chance to show how hard we had worked to learn track racing, to prepare for it, and to show what we could do." RACE DAY MOVED Due to COVID rules in Monroe County and fears that the race would still encourage large, out-of-control gatherings, IU Student Foundation officials moved the race to Wednesday, May 26—three weeks after the semester had ended. Acacia riders who lived in dorms and off campus moved into the house to reduce the burden of living in Bloomington longer than needed for academics. Some other teams, with riders facing job or internship conflicts related to the rescheduled race, dropped down to just three riders. Other teams were allowed to combine into one to preserve a decent number of competitors. The race was held in Armstrong Stadium with only one coach and mechanic allowed. No parents or fans could enter. Finishing 14th was a big accomplishment, according to Phil. "Seriously, we are happy with that result. The guys rode well. They rode smartly, too. Three were rookies. Training was badly disrupted with the cease-and-desist. There was just tons of stress everywhere." The Acacia team led the pack at lap 100 and stayed on the same lap as the leaders through lap 166. WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE SUSPENSION YEARS? While the Chapter is suspended, there cannot be a team riding under the banner of Acacia Fraternity. Any group of students can ride independently, however, which is the status of the successful Cutters and Jetblach teams. Coach Fox expects to transition to an independent status this fall and continue to guide the now-experienced riders to another level of performance. "I really appreciate all the support we get throughout the year from Acacia alumni, and especially from the bike team alumni," said Phil. "The bike team tradition remains healthy at Acacia. I think there are good things out there for the team. We need just a little more patience as the bike team culture continues to develop." For Little 500 results and other information, visit iusf.indiana.edu/little500/results.html. 2021 Little 500: The Year That Almost Wasn't Bike team riders and coach Justin Fox '95 after 2021's Little 500 race. The Wreckage PAGE 6

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