Alpha Phi welcomed a bigger turnout than usual at its annual A Phiesta bowl on Sunday for women’s cardio care.

The sorority hosts the event to raise money for the health care of its members. During A Phiesta bowl, participants pay to participate in games, contests and more.

“The weather was a big one [reason for the high turnout], last year it was a little cold, so that was a plus,” said Tara Long, Alpha Phi marketing vice president.

Teams were assembled and running drills at noon on the meadows behind Barsema Hall, and the flag football games began at 1 p.m. The tournaments were separated by women and men, and 18 teams competed.

“I think it’s the best turnout we’ve had in a couple years,” said Alpha Phi President Atlee Mathews.

A bag toss tournament started at 1 p.m. and the prize was free tickets to a Blackhawks game. The event had free hotdogs, chips and water for refreshments, as well as music by DJ Dan.

“I’m having a great time; the DJ is playing some good music. I like the turnout; we [have] a lot of teams here,” said John Tracey, senior human resource management major.

Any students who compile a team and pay the fee are allowed to play, and this year the Student Association had a team in each tournament.

“This has been a deep tradition in our sorority,” Mathews said. “We do this here in the fall, and then we do our red ball gala to raise money for cardiac care in February.”

Every flag football team had to pay a $60 fee to play, and those competing in the bag toss tournament paid $10. The proceeds went to the Alpha Phi foundation.

“To raise money for organizations, to get everybody together as a community, as a northern community, I think really benefits NIU in general,” Long said.

The games were held in two fields throughout the afternoon, ending with Phi Sigma Kappa beating a student team named Sekip. Delta Gamma won the women’s tournament.

“I love events like this, specifically because each organization can support each other,” Mathews said. “So, I mean we’re not only raising money for the Alpha Phi foundation. Everyone else is helping support Alpha Phi here at NIU and what we stand for.”