Members of sororities and fraternities have been displaying their spirit and talent in the annual Greek Sing event since 1968, and last night they continued the custom in Greek Sing 2003, "Stepping into the Spotlight."

As the doors of Eisenhower Auditorium opened a little after 1 p.m., the sold-out crowd began pouring into the lobby. Red-shirt laden security officers scurried around the concourse attempting to keep the crowd moving in an orderly fashion as the greek singers began stepping into the spotlight.

The winners of Greek Sing were announced at the end of the performances.

The first place spirit award and the best short performance went to Kappa Kappa Gamma and Sigma Alpha Mu, 329 E. Prospect Ave.

Best artistic performance and best overall performance went to Delta Gamma and Kappa Alpha, 234 E. Beaver Ave.

Best choreography went to Alpha Sigma Alpha and Acacia, 234 Locust Lane.

Lynne Mutascio, who played the starring role of Oliver in her organization's act, was excited after her performance. She said she was happy with the progress her group has made.

"It's a huge fun thing," Mutascio said. "We wanted to show everyone we could do it."

Amy Deatrich, Panhellenic Council associate vice president, was on the committee last year. It's difficult to determine the improvement of the event from last year because it is always great, said Deatrich.

"It's really hard to tell year to year," said Deatrich.

Jeff Pan (senior-entrepreneurial logistics) starred in his organization's act as Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, Mo., in Damn Yankees. Greek Sing is an opportunity to get shy freshmen to display their talent for all to see, even if it is difficult at first to be on stage, Pan said.

"It's one of those things where it's the best thing you never want to do again," he said. "It truly is one of the greatest experiences ever."

Penn State men's basketball coach Ed DeChellis made a cameo appearance at the end of the event to promote the men's basketball team. After apologizing for his wardrobe since he came straight from practice, he explained that the team needs the "energy, emotion, and enthusiasm" from the students.

"It's really, really important for students to come out and help us, DeChellis said. "This university is very, very special to me."

Harry Zimbler, another judge, is a theater professor at Penn State as well as a long time theater critic.

"I've spent my lifetime in theater. I know what's good and what's not," Zimbler said. "I'm just looking for quality of performance."

The overall committee in charge of Greek Sing was delighted with the final product of their work.

"It went so amazingly smooth," spokeswoman Courtney Poillon (sophomore-marketing) said. "It was as good as it could have gone."

Overall Chair Lyndsey Kriftner (junior-actuarial science) agreed.

"I'm very proud of everyone that put the show together," Kriftner said.

Since 1985, the proceeds of Greek Sing have been given to the Gayle Beyers Scholarship Fund, a fund named for a woman recognized for her dedication to the greek community at Penn State.

This year, three scholarships in the amount of $1,000 and two for $825 went to three "outstanding Panhellenic women." Those women were Meghan Snell, Mariel Gniewoz and Kelly Compton.