No pain, no entry. The words headlined the Optimist’s front-page coverage of fall pledging and are true for almost every social club on campus – every club but Trojans, that is.

Because of a lack of familiarity, Trojans rechartered last September without causing much of a stir. The “hoods” – sisterhood and brotherhood – seem to be among the most enticing aspects of social clubs. Club presidents have raised the “hoods” in defense of their difficult pledging activities, but Trojans have cast traditional recruiting methods to the wayside. They promise nothing more than fellowship and a good time; anything more is a bonus, and its members claim to enjoy their share of bonuses.

Trojans’ president Matt Lambro, senior communication and youth and family ministry major from Grapevine, said last year several “pockets” of men around campus began vocalizing interest in rechartering the club. They slowly found each other and gained confidence with each new supporter.

“We saw a lot of animosity in the other clubs and we didn’t like it,” Lambro said. “We just want to give guys another option.”

Unfortunately, the Trojans’ organization is far too familiar with the rechartering process. Its history is not unlike the swimming pattern of a dolphin – in and out of visibility.

The club chartered in 1930, folded in 1954; rechartered in 1958, folded again in 1994; rechartered in 1995, folded in 2001; rechartered in 2003, folded in 2006; and most recently rechartered in 2009.

Lambro acknowledged the club’s history is not without blemish, but this crew of Trojans hopes to redefine the group’s image.

And Trojans’ non-aggressive approach to club life should not be mistaken for apathy. Bid Night bonfires and cookouts do not translate to indifference. The men of Trojans strongly emphasize participation and excellence in every club activity. For example, the club rechartered too late to compete in Sing Song, but performed anyway on principle.

“We make it clear that we take everyone, but we said, ‘If you are going to be a part of it, here’s how it’s going to work,'” Lambro said. “Every guy right now shows up for everything. It’s supposed to be something you enjoy.”

Clubs such as Gamma Sigma Phi and Sigma Theta Chi continue to thrive, proving the appeal of triple-digit “hoods” still lives. But the rechartering of Trojans, who claim 36 on-campus members this semester, proves something as well: strenuous bid nights and hundreds of members is not for everyone. If you are looking for a club with high standards, low stress levels and a passion for fun, give Trojans a call.