Oozfest Mud Volleyball Competition Set For April 25 At UB

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- It'll be a "down-and-dirty" day at the University at Buffalo on April 25 when 96 volleyball teams from the Northeast and Canada slip and slide to compete for prizes in Oozfest, the largest continuous mud-volleyball tournament in North America.

Sporting creative team garb and monikers such as the Muddy Muddy Bufftones, Mudrostatic Pressure and Muddy Mud Skippers, nearly 1,000 players are expected to participate in what has been called "UB students' favorite tradition."

Now celebrating its 14th year, the event has grown from a modest student contest to one that draws more than 1,000 players and spectators to the UB North (Amherst) Campus.

Play will begin at 9 a.m. and continue through 3 p.m. in the mud pit, located on St. Rita's Lane behind the new UB stadium. It will be prepared courtesy of University Facilities and the Getzville Fire Department.

The event is free to spectators, who will be allowed to compete for prizes in such special events as the raw egg and football tosses, relay races and tug 'o war.

Teams pay a registration fee, with proceeds benefiting the J. Scott Fleming Scholarship Fund, which honors students who have demonstrated positive leadership qualities at UB.

The event is sponsored by the University Student Alumni Board, the student affiliate of the UB Alumni Association.

Sponsors who have provided donations of $200 or more are UB Alumni Association, undergraduate Student Association, Faculty Student Association, UB Campus Tees & Sweats, University Union Activities Board, Domino's Pizza, Kaplan, UB Residence Hall Association, Buffalo/Niagara Marriott, John & Mary's, FirstUSA, University Print & Mail Services, The College Store, University Bookstore and Volleyball Unlimited.

Supporters providing gift certificates and other donations are 103.3 The Edge, Amy's Place, Anderson's Custard, Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Blizzard, CVS at the UB Commons, Caffé Aroma, Delta Sonic Systems, Engineering Alumni Association, Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant, Johnny B's Soda Bar & Cafe, Max Hart's Diner, Rich Products Corp., SA Video, Salvatore's Italian Gardens and Q-Zar.