On November 7, 1983 Zeta Beta hosted an All-Greek dinner featuring USC president James H. Zumberge. The meeting was designed to help leaders of the Greek community better understand university affairs under the tutelage of the university president.  

During that same year ATO teamed with the Delta Gamma sorority to win the Songfest Sweepstakes award. It won the Sweepstakes award again in 1989 when it teamed with the Delta Delta Delta sorority. The success in the ‘80’s mirrored the success enjoyed by the chapter since its founding in the 1950’s.

In 1984 ATO won the coveted Iron Man Trophy, awarded each year for athletic excellence. In doing so, it became the only fraternity at USC ever to win all three awards that make up the “Triple Crown.” They include the Iron Man Trophy, Songfest Sweepstakes Award and President’s Award for Fraternity Excellence.  The ATO’s achieved this feat within a two-year period!



The architect of the Iron Man championship was Rick McGeagh (‘81) Rick was heartbroken by the fact that the Taus has just fallen short of winning the championship during previous years. The house had been among the top athletic fraternities since the early 1970;s however it was his dedication to bring home the championship that motivated the entire active membership. Most of the brothers, even if they were not active participants, would show up for the events. Craig Combs (’81) headed a spirited “Iron Man Frever - Catch It” campaign. The camaraderie and team spirit the Taus shared during the drive for the Iron Man trophy was awesome. The theme from the movie “Rocky” was blasted throughout the chapter house prior to major athletic events, getting the brothers psyched up. The entire chapter shared in the glory of winning the championship in 1984, and the fruits of their labor would be enjoyed for many years to come. Although the Zeta Beta Chapter barely lost out to their bitter rivals Kappa Sigma the following year, they subsequently won the Iron Man Trophy in 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990 and 1991.

 
During the 1980’s the chapter was not only the perennial  “Iron Man” award winner, but also a house full of terrific athletes. Several varsity athletes were active in Zeta Beta, including several members of the baseball and golf teams.