[Firehouse]

Thank you for your kind words about Delta Lambda. As for athletes, the guys make it a priority to recruit them, along with campus political types, etc. The chapter's goal is to dominate and be the best. If you ask the question "What would a dominant fraternity look like?", the the answer is that the dominant chapter has varsity athletes, student government leaders, and is the best in rush - which means the largest. None of that happens by accident. We have heavy competition from a lot of good chapters - our system reminds me a lot of Oklahoma State. I think our magazine helps a lot. Pikes Illustrated details exactly what we have in terms of athletics, leadership and all the rest. The chapter can look at those from a year, 2 years, 3,4 years ago and see exactly what they're expected to be.
To get athletes, the rush chairman goes to the athletic trainers and coaches, tells them about our chapter and asks them for recommendations. We don't haze and we have a good reputation that doesn't scare coaches. We'll get four or five names, call them, and sign one or two. Once you establish yourself as the athletes' house it becomes easier - however, it all can slip away if yuo don't keep bringing new members in each year.
Of the 23 IFC chapters at FSU, we are always the largest (175 more or less), we win Intramurals, we have more varsity athletes than any other fraternity, plus in 2003-04 we have: President of the Student Body, President of IFC, President of Student Senate, President of greek B.A.S.I.C., President of Golden Key, President of the American Medical Students Association, Chief Osceola (the guy who rides the horse), and one of the fall pledges is President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Again, thank you for your comments about the chapter. Hope you get to Tallahassee some time.