News

Lee University’s Alpha Gamma Chi, a men’s social service club, recently broke the record for the longest softball game ever played and raised over $45,000 for Youth World Evangelism Action 2024 (YWEA24). The game lasted 120 hours, starting on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m. and ending on Monday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. 

“God gave us everything in times when we felt uncertain about how the game was going to work out,” said Zach Constantinescu, Chi’s president. “The highlight was seeing God work in the process and through other people’s donations to help the kids impacted by YWEA.” 

Chi members and alumni, along with a few other students, comprised the Burgundy and Grey teams. Each team included 14 men who played in shifts throughout the five-day period, playing for eight hours at a time and sleeping for four hours. Faculty, staff, honorary members, and community members provided meals for the players throughout the game. 

To make the record official, a scorekeeper had to be present at all times, documenting each player and inning. The game was played continuously with limited breaks and ended with more than 1,000 runs scored by each team. 

“Playing through long nights and watching the sun rise taught us a lesson about life in general,” said Micah Grow, Chi’s alumni coordinator. “There are going to be bad times, but we were made to be in a community, and the sun comes up after things get hard.” 

Chi is still accepting donations for YWEA24. To donate, fill out the form at form.jotform.com/232555744689168. 

“Church of God Youth and Discipleship is so proud of Lee University’s Alpha Gamma Chi for their commitment to not only break the Guinness world record but also for partnering with YWEA,” said Dr. Rob Bailey, international director of the International Church of God Youth and Discipleship Department. “As a Lee University and Chi alum, I couldn’t be prouder of the men of Chi for raising over $45,000 for YWEA!” 

Sponsors of the event included Central Screen Printing, Cleveland Mayor Kevin Brooks, Crumbl Cookies, Fireworks Supermarket, Gibco Construction, Lee University, Mercy Ridge Church, and RiverBirch Homes Chattanooga. 

“The men of Alpha Gamma Chi designed and executed this world-breaking endeavor from start to finish,” said Dr. Randy Sheeks, head sponsor of Chi and associate dean of Lee’s School of Music. “The club’s leadership was visionary and focused on making this happen in the middle of a busy semester. The 28 guys who played were determined and played through rain, cold temperatures, fatigue, aches, and pains. I am so very proud of them.” 

Founded in 1963, this is the third time Chi has broken the record. The first two record-breaking games took place in 1986 and 2005 for 100 and 101 hours, respectively. In 1986, the club raised money for a March of Dimes neo-natal cardiac surgery. In 2005, the club used the game to raise over $50,000 for victims of Hurricane Katrina. 

Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, Alpha Gamma Chi is one of Lee’s first Greek clubs and is committed to developing Christian scholars and Christian gentlemen for the greater glory of God. 
 
To support the Church’s evangelical missions, YWEA24 will minister to young people in Australia, Fiji, and New Zealand, countries that have seen a decrease in the spread of the gospel and high suicide and mortality rates in children. 
 
For more information about YWEA24, visit cogyd.org/myywea. 
 
For more information about Alpha Gamma Chi’s 60th anniversary, visit alpha-gamma-chi-anniversary.