K-State Classy Cats take a winning sweep at College Classic competition
MANHATTAN (KSNT) - The ones cheering on the sidelines of every Kansas State game, get to be cheered on once a year in Orlando, Florida.
The K-State Classy Cats made history this year with their winning sweep. The official dance team of Kansas State University, better known as the Classy Cats, made history with their winning sweep at the College Classic in Orlando, Florida. This team has been competing at this competition since 2020 with their first year being via video submission.
The past four years have been nothing but memorable for this team as they are recgonized as defending national champions in the pom category
"We are the defending pom champions D1A and this would've been our fourth year. So, we had a little bit of the pressure of defending that national championship title and we had never won in jazz before," Sara Heptig, head coach of the Classy Cats said. "So, we also were very hungry and passionate to try to inch our way to the national championship in jazz. And then in spirit showdown we also had never titled in that category either. So, we were really trying to spread it out and do our best in all the categories possible. And we are really proud of how it all turned out."
This year was different and felt special for the team. For the first time all members of the team got the opportunity to make it to nationals.
One of the team leaders and fourth year member, Addie Keith, told me what made this year so different from years past.
"This year we really felt like everyone was bought in and ready to give it their all at nationals and give it their best," Keith said. "And I think that was really special. We have a really tight bond on our team and this year you can really feel that with our friendships and relationships that we all have. And I think that makes our team that much stronger. And so being able to have that bond and that culture really helped us.”
As this is the last opportunity for the team to dance together, it's very sentimental especially for the seniors.
One specific memory for senior Malea Flakus was hitting the final pose with her team on the stage.
"So, when we hit that ending pose in jazz, and then when we hit the ending pose when we competed in the pom battle, just hearing everyone like screaming in the audience and you just feel the energy from your teammates next to you, it's just such a special moment," Flakus said. "And that's like the exclamation point at the end of our year. Like that's the last thing we do together on stage."
The Classy Cats left Florida doubling the amount of trophies in their case, going from three-time national champions to six-time national champions, recognized nationwide.
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