DeKALB | Brad Sweet, of Sigma Phi Epsilon, Stan Bazigos, of Pi Kappa Alpha, and Jessica Bennett, of Alpha Sigma Alpha, will represent their fraternities and sorority in the annual amateur body building contest known as Greek Physique, Phi Kappa Sigma’s, or the Skulls’, philanthropy.

The event will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Holmes Student Center’s Carl Sandburg Auditorium.

After 20 weeks of muscle and cardiovascular training, and a 10-week diet consisting of fish, egg whites, oatmeal and green vegetables, the contestants will be judged on their overall muscle composition.

“Judges have expertise in distinguishing a contestant’s muscles, pose and tan,” said Mike Lanzo, philanthropy chairman for the Skulls.

When contestants first signed up, the Skulls encouraged them to diet properly and to consult a nutritionist. Some Greek competitors feel they may have a slight advantage because members of their houses who have previously competed are there to guide and motivate them.

“Experience does matter,” Lanzo said.

Most competitors began their training by spending at least three hours a day at the Campus Recreation Center. As the weeks progressed, their time decreased to an hour and a half to two hours, but their repetitions increased.

While attaining muscle is important, most competitors also shed some pounds.

“I’m down about 30 pounds right now. I’ll probably lose about 10 more by the show,” Sweet said.

Competitors must cut their favorite foods out of their diets in order to cut calories. As the show nears, contestants are wary not to cheat.

“I love eating cookies and candy. Not being able to eat junk food has been the hardest thing. I even had to cut out sugar-free gum. It’s been a struggle,” Bazigos said. “I’ve had planned cheat meals, where I have a steak and a baked potato, but I haven’t cheated for the thrill of taste.”

Through a strict diet and a demanding weight-training routine, contestants have changed their entire lifestyles for the competition.

“It has been very hard to balance out everything that is going on in my life, because I go to school full time, work part time, and also am involved in my sorority,” Bennett said. “I have to make sure I get more than eight hours of sleep a night because it lets my body relax and recover.”

The challenge of Greek Physique is to develop your weaknesses by making your body equally fit. This takes a lot of discipline, Lanzo said.

When purchased at the door, tickets are $12 for gold tickets, which are located in the front half of the auditorium, and $7 for white tickets, which are located in the back half. Proceeds go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Students can purchase tickets in advance at the Rec Center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and Tuesday. Gold tickets will be sold for $10 and white tickets for $5.