Saint Louis University Step team secretary Erica Hammond is proud of her team. The group recently won at this year’s Non-Greek Strolloff competition for the third consecutive year. The competition is hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and involves various Missouri universities, as well as some out-of-state universities.

“I am proud of the team. We put a lot of hard work in… The end result is always what we expect,” Hammond said.

The team began practicing for the competition last semester before winter break. They initially began by practicing twice a week, but started practicing every day once the competition got closer.

SLU Step became a chartered organization in 2009; however, they began performing before then. The organization is made up of two different parts. One of these parts is the Non-Greek Strolloff team. Hammond explained that this portion of the team requires tryouts and is more intense because it is the section that competes. The other part of the team participates in different events around campus. In the past, the group has performed at events such as SLU’s Got Talent.
Hammond explained that the group mixes well and has grown as a family since its formation.

“Once you have that family bond, it’s easy to get things done,” Hammond said.
She explained that the team has remained consistent throughout the years because there was always one person left on the team to pass on their traditions.

Hammond is currently a senior and has been on the team all four years of her college career.
She explained that it is a bittersweet feeling to have performed in her last competition with the team.
“I am so proud of the team and what we’ve accomplished,” Hammond said.