The Sigma Chi fraternity hosted a charity tennis match for the Huntsman Cancer Institute on Saturday.
The institute conducts cancer research and depends on donations for more than one-third of its funding.
Saturday's stakes were higher than those of most tennis matches, however, as the loser had to shave his head.
Fraternity member Zach Taylor, an organizer of the event, said the shaving is to sympathize with chemotherapy patients.
"A lot of cancer survivors have to go through chemotherapy, and it's kind of a humiliating experience for them," Taylor said.
Taylor also played in the tennis match, which was held on campus at the Lower Johnson Tennis Courts and pulled in $268 for the institute.
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"We wanted to basically show that we're in support of finding cures for all these diseases that are really difficult for our society right now," he said. "Our organization is willing to do whatever - including shaving our heads - to make that kind of commitment to them."
Taylor and Jesse Varoz, another member of the fraternity, faced off in a single set in front of a small audience of spectators.
"Me and Jesse both played in high school. We have really close matches, and people started to come out to watch us occasionally," Taylor said.
The pair realized the popularity of their games had the potential to be useful.
"We thought we might want to make something out of this other than just a recreational activity," Taylor said.
Taylor emerged victorious from the close match, winning eight games to Varoz's six.
Varoz said he was glad to participate even though he lost.
"I think hair is something that a lot of us are really close to, and, if we're willing to sacrifice something like our hair for a good cause, I think it's a small price to pay," he said.
Taylor began shaving Varoz's head, then other Sigma Chi members took turns with the clippers.
After Varoz's head was shaved, Taylor had an announcement to make.
"If you can match the amount of money already donated," Taylor said to the crowd, "I'll shave my head, too."
Money came in from audience members immediately, and the necessary $122 was matched and surpassed within five minutes.
True to his word, Taylor sat down and allowed his head to be shaved.
"I've tried this before and it looked awful," Taylor said. "I've got a goofy looking head."
