Athletes donned wigs, outrageous outfits and lip-synched for a good cause on Sunday night.

Jock Rock is an annual event that raises money for the American Red Cross; this year is raised just under $2,000. Donations were collected for the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen and many athletes signed autographs.

“We do food drives with them and we feel a connection with the Red Cross,” said Dan LeFevour, senior quarterback from Illinois.

Athletes from most Central Michigan University intercollegiate sports teams showed up for the event, including members from the wrestling, men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, football and men’s and women’s track and field teams. About 900 people attended the event in Rose Arena.

The athletes danced to a variety of songs in an array of attire. The women’s soccer team performed a skit from the musical “Grease,” while the men’s baseball team performed a boy bands versus modern music dance-off.

“It gives athletes a time to do things that aren’t related to athletics and come together and help out the community,” said Illinois senior Erica Rohren, a member of the women’s soccer team.

While athletes from each team competed, some chose to just cheer on their teammates. Rohren has participated in Jock Rock for the last three years, but decided against participating this year, wanting a chance to see it from the sidelines.

LeFevour participated in Jock Rock as a sophomore, but decided it was too nerve-racking to repeat this year. He said his favorite part is “seeing who’s going to embarrass themselves the most.”

Each team is judged based on creativity, lip-synching, originality, audience enthusiasm and not exceeding the eight-minute time allotment.

“Track is always really good,” said Alison Kist, a senior field hockey player from Missouri.

Kist expected men’s or women’s track and field to win, and she was right.

The women’s track and field team took first place, dancing to music from the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Men in Black” and “Wild Wild West.”

The men’s track and field team took second with a skit to a medley of music from The Village People, the “Wizard of Oz” and Jewel.

Baseball took third place, making 2009 the first year they have placed in the 15-year history of Jock Rock.

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E-mail the author: Maryellen Tighe