The fourth athletic tournament of Greek Week — the basketball tournament — took place Thursday night at Lied Recreation Center, and pairing Greeker by the Dozen won it all.

The basketball tournament saw 15 teams go head to head, but intermixed on each team was three to four chapters and Special Olympics Iowa (SOIA) athletes.

Throughout the week teams compete against each other and raise money for SOIA.

“Greek Week is a chance for the Greek community to come together and bond through sports and events while raising money and making a difference in the lives of those in the Special Olympics,” said Will Christiansen, a member of the Delta Chi fraternity and “The Greek League” pairing. 

Coming out on top in the first round of the tournament were pairings Greeker by the Dozen, Seuss on the Loose, The Greek League, It’s Always Sunny in Greekland, Unite the Greeks, Nightmare on Greek Street and Diners Drive-ins and Greeks. 

The Greek League also won the volleyball tournament earlier in the week. However, this tournament didn’t seem to go the same way and they were eliminated after the second round. Although Christiansen’s team didn’t advance, he said, “it’s still fun for everyone to come together and cheer on the events and the athletes. It’s a good time.”

Each team’s unique name came with unique themed attire as well as flags and posters which were held up in the cheering stands. From camouflage to basketball jerseys and denim on denim the themes change through the week. 

Leah Brooke, a senior on Greek Week Central committee, became Olympic Coordinator after being involved with the organization since freshman year. Being Olympic Coordinator means she planned all the events for Saturday’s games and is in charge of executing them.

“It’s great work and relevant to everyone’s lives and the community, it’s just really awesome to see everyone come together for such a great cause,” Brooke said.  

In the semifinals, Greeker by the Dozen took on Seuss on the Loose and It’s Always Sunny in Greekland went against Diners Drive-ins and Greeks. In the end, Greeker by the Dozen and Diners Drive-ins and Greeks were the competitors in the final round.  

Greeker by the Dozen ended up emerging as the victors of the tournament with Diners Drive-ins and Greeks coming in second and It’s Always Sunny in Greekland coming in third.