While the icy winds of January are sweeping through State College, most students are waxing their skis and buying new mittens. But members of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity are already anticipating the spring thaw and their Superstars Weekend in April.

"We're really getting a head start this year," said Brian Yecies, public relations chairman for Superstars."When we saw how much our fundraising totals had increased from 1987 to 1988, we really wanted to do a good job this year."

Superstars is held each spring on the HUB lawn and usually includes bands and Greek team events.

Last year the fraternity, 501 S. Allen St., raised over $20,000 for leukemia research, with about 67 percent of the money coming from roadtrips and canning.

"Superstars is not only a fun and interesting day for the men of Phi Kappa Sigma," said Superstars Chairman Matt Garinger. "It's a really meaningful day for spectators, sponsors and anyone else that's involved."

"We really got a head start this year," Yecies said. "We had our first canning bolt during the first week of November. Last year we didn't start until after January break."

Members of the fraternity "bolt" or roadtrip to cities like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, explained Yecies. Eight fraternity members can make up to $800 in four hours by canning on street corners.

The members also raise money through raffle sales, registration fees and their sponsor. Last year the fraternity was sponsored by Busch beer.

"The reason why we're all so motivated is because we feel strongly about helping leukemia research," Yecies said.

The fraternity began sending promotional packets to potential corporate sponsors, entertainers and local businesses in December in order to help break last year's totals.

This year's Superstars will be held Saturday, April 8, on the HUB lawn. All proceeds will go to leukemia research in the name of the Vincent Sandoe fund, after a brother who died from the disease.