"Marsh Monsters," "Mudmirals," "Mud Puppies" and "Monkey Love in the Mud" will be among the monikers of mud mavens playing volleyball at UB's 12th Annual Oozfest, to be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, on the North Campus. Doughty, dirty denizens from the UB and Western New York communities and teams from nearby states and Canada are set to "slip and slide" on a field behind Alumni Arena. The event has grown from a modest, muddy beginning with a few local teams to this year's version, which can include up to 96 teams.

Jennifer Rinaldo of the University Student Alumni Board says all teams, which each pay a $100 entry fee, must be registered by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 12. She encourages teams from businesses and other non-UB groups to sign up before the deadline by calling 829-2608 or by FAX at 829-3901.

Listed in national writer Lisa Birnbach's "New and Improved College Book," Oozfest is described as UB students' "favorite tradition."

It is also believed to be the largest continuous volleyball-in-the-mud contest on a college or university campus.

H.F. Darling & Sons Construction Co., Inc. and the Getzville Fire Co. will prepare the field for the event. WKSE-FM, KISS 98.5 radio, and several bands, including the Skimmy Clark Trio and Nurse Brown, will add to the entertainment, along with other "mud-mad" competitions and games.

Campus sponsors include the Engineering Alumni Association, Faculty-Student Association, Rolling Rhino's men's volleyball team, UB Alumni Association, undergraduate Student Association and University Print and Mail Services. Among the corporate sponsors are Campus Tees & Sweats, Coca-Cola Bottling Co., CVS at the Commons, David's Photo Service, Domino's Pizza, Harbour Tent & Party Rental, Hooters restaurants, Kaplan Co., Makin' Copies, The New Buffalo Marriott and Volleyball Unlimited Pro Shop.