Sigma Phi Epsilon - Missouri University of Science & Technology

mo gamma INSIDE THIS ISSUE The Rock That Binds Presidents Report SigEp Paved the Way Mowing the Halls FALL 2023 THE ROCK THAT BINDS: THE ROCK THAT BINDS: Unearthing the Decades-Long Tradition of SigEp's Rock Drag Story by Dave Naeger '80 Sixty years ago, a group of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity pledges at the then-Missouri School of Mines initiated what would grow into one of the most unique traditions in Greek community history. Known as the SigEp Rock Drag, the event, which started from a simple prank, has now evolved into an annual demonstration of fraternity spirit, unity, and shared history that transcends generations. The story that follows is a culmination of discussions I have had with many brothers over the last few weeks to develop a timeline of this tradition. Beginnings The story begins in the early '60s with a crazy idea, as told to me by Roland "Rookie" Albrecht '70: "I pledged in the fall of 1962. My group of pledge brothers met one night and talked about how we wanted to do something different, something to impress the upperclassmen. Well, the Mining Engineering building, which was located a few blocks from our house, had some quarried rocks in the yard around the campus building. 'Why don't we steal one of those rocks and put it on our front lawn—they'll never miss it,' came the inspirational comment. Like good engineers, we came up with a plan. So, late one night, soon after our secret meeting, we snuck out of the house and went on a covert mission to capture our prize from campus. We first tried loading the rock into the 1950 pickup of John Elliot '66, but after much frustration, we came to the realization that the rock was extremely heavy. 'Maybe we could drag it back,' cried out from the team, so we returned with ropes and chains and tied it to the truck. With some of us pushing, and the truck pulling, we were able to drag the massive rock back and get it placed onto our front lawn. You can imagine the next morning when everyone started walking to class and finding a large rock in the front yard. We were very proud of ourselves!" Evolution Over the course of the next decade, the rock didn't move from that spot, even during the construction of the current house, as Jerry Wappelhorst '73 recalled, "I don't remember the rock being dragged, but Phi Kaps used to come over and burn it. It was the pledge's job to clean it, and wire brushes and a lot of elbow grease had to be used." By the mid-'70s, the rock had started to travel. It would often end up on the Phi Kap lawn, either stolen or purposely moved by SigEp members. These actions evolved into a friendly rivalry that promoted camaraderie and unity within the two fraternities. Matt Mabrey '83 commented, "In one instance, some Phi Kap guys grabbed a front-end loader that happened to be passing by and talked the operator into pushing the rock down to their house!" Tony Kertz '93 remembered how free drinks could Ray Zesch '70 with his St. Pats date, Maggi Cunnigham (now Mrs. Ray Zesch), on top of the original rock circa 1969. (Continued on page 2)

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