September 13, 2007

'Ultimate Saluki Challenge' deadline extended

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. – There's still time to enter the second annual Ultimate Saluki Challenge at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. The extended deadline for entry in the "Survivor" style competition is now noon, Monday, Sept. 17.

Contestants can enter at the information desk at the Office of Recreational Sports and Services on the recreation center's second floor or at the Student Programming Council Office on the third floor of the Student Center. The deadline has been extended a few days because this year's contest was moved up several weeks earlier in the school year and organizers want to assure everyone interested has a chance to sign up, according to Lynne Thompson-Cundiff, fitness coordinator for Recreational Sports and Services.

"This year the prizes are even bigger and better than ever and the challenges are 100 times better," Thompson-Cundiff said. "It's really going to be great."

Twenty contestants, all SIUC students in good academic standing, will divide into two tribes and practice their survival skills as they compete in a series of challenges from 3 p.m. Sept. 28 until 10 p.m. Sept. 30. Mike Skupin of "survivor-Australia" fame will be the guest host for the 52-hour Ultimate Saluki Challenge that will feature events at Campus Lake Beach, Touch of Nature Environmental Center and the Student Recreation Center.

The prize package includes a $500 book scholarship, two tickets and hotel accommodations at the Missouri Valley Conference basketball tournament in St. Louis and much more. Details about the competition, along with the application and other required forms, are online at www.siuc.edu/rss.