Dudes-A-Plenty returned to the Step Sing winners’ circle Feb. 20, garnering the coveted Sweepstakes Award in Samford University’s annual student production.

The all-male group, which organizes annually solely to perform in Step Sing, previously won Sweepstakes in 2007 and 2005 and was first runner-up in 2009. They also won the 2010 judges’ excellence awards for music and choreography.

The theme of their 2010 act was “The Dream,” a look at making dreams a reality. Co-directors were Jeremy Hunt, a senior journalism major from Marietta, Ga., and Ben Telfair, a senior religion major from Tallahassee, Fla.

First runner-up was Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, with an act entitled “Rock It.” Pi Kapps were last year’s sweepstakes winners.

Second runner-up was Phi Mu sorority, with “Risky Business.” Phi Mu placed second in 2008.

Audience favorite awards went to Pi Kappa Phi for choreography and overall performance, Dudes-A-Plenty for music and University Ministries for costumes.

Alpha Omicron Pi sorority was recognized for raising the most funds for the 2010 Step Sing community service project, Camp Smile-a-Mile, an Alabama organization that provides camping opportunities for children who are or have been affected by cancer.

Step sing is an annual student-organized and produced, and professionally-judged competition. It is considered one of Samford’s most cherished traditions, dating from 1951. Eleven groups participated in this year’s competition. The 2010 student co-directors were Kara Hardin, a junior sports medicine major from Knoxville, Tenn., and Kendall Shelton, a junior business major from Reform, Ala.

Photos and DVDs of the event are available for purchase.