Published: April 14, 2007 01:10 am      

Weather forces SHSU Relay for Life indoors

With only six hours until showtime, Sam Houston State University Relay for Life organizers knew they had to do something.

With the impending threat of heavy rains, a later forecast of hail and an impending tornado warning, it was clear the event could not be held at Bowers Stadium.

“We called everyone we could think of,” said Allison Davis, the event’s entertainment co-chair. “It was pretty stressful and really scary. We had planned for rain or shine, but not hail and tornados.”

With only three hours to go, they hit pay dirt at West Hill Mall, who agreed to host nearly 200 college students, cancer survivors and members from the community.

“The mall people opened their arms to us,” said Krystle Foss, the even’ts chair. “Whatever we asked for they said they would provide.”

Until 7 a.m. today, as stores begin to open, the SHSU Relay crew will just be going home, after a night of karoke, dance contests and pacing the floors of the mall’s center, all in the hopes to raise money for a cure to cancer.

Foss said that no real changes to the event had to be made, save one small one.

“We decided not to have the dunking booth,” Foss said, “because there will be enough water outside.”

And drenched they may be, as one group decided to brave the elements and carry on a long-held tradition of their fraternity: tailgating.

“I lived in Chicago for two years, so weather dosen’t bother me,” said Joseph Cardillo, the unofficial spokesman and “Grillmaster” for the Sigma Delta team. “If it happens, it happens.”

The Sigma Delta’s came in full tailgating force, complete with tent, grill and coolers.

“We’ve got the tent hooked up to the front of my truck (so) it will be ok,” Cardillo said. “We’ve got walkers inside to, and if anyone brings their food out here I’ll be happy to cook it for them.”

The groups were even somewhat pleasantly surprised with their event’s new location.

“I think its going to work out better,” Davis said.

The Relay will continue throughout the night, with at least one member from each of the 25 teams keeping a steady pace around the mall’s center atrium.

The Sam Houston Steel Band, along with rocker Brad Basker and Gospel performer Brandon Fowler were scheduled to be on hand throughout the night to perform.

Davis also said that “Sammy Idol” — a spoof on the television show “American Idol” — will be held at some point during the night, along with a dancing contest and karoke contests throughout the night.

“We’re going to do Family Feud, too,” Davis said.

Davis said that planning for the event began at the beginning of the 2006 Fall semester, culminating in last night’s event.

“It’s a lot of little steps that all come together in a hurry,” Davis said. “Up until the relay it’s all about getting those steps together.”

Customers shopping late Friday afternoon had to yell at store workers over loud music and revelry, but everyone said they didn’t mind.

Candise Hamilton, a cashier at Palais Royal, said as soon as she left the cash register she was headed back to participate.

“I think it’s a good thing,” she said. “They’ve done a really good job.”