Students from fraternities and sororities across campus gathered March 10 for the annual Spring King competition, a fundraising event supporting Special Olympics Arkansas.

Cayden Sabella was crowned as the 2026 Spring King. 

Sabella, a theater and family consumer science major and member of Kappa Sigma, was sponsored by Alpha Sigma Alpha. 

The event began at 7 p.m. with introductions and roll calls from participating Greek organizations. 

Members from Panhellenic and Interfraternity groups filled the venue as five contestants sponsored by Greek organizations took the stage to perform themed routines.

The competition included two performance rounds: an on-stage question segment and a final step performance.

Matthew Bainter, an exercise science major and member of Beta Upsilon Chi, was sponsored by Beta Upsilon Chi.

Bainter opened the competition with a Lorax-themed dance performance that incorporated music and choreography tied to the character. 

During the second performance round, he continued the theme with additional music selections before finishing with a song connected to the film’s environmental message.

During the question portion of the event, Bainter was asked about his proudest moment at the university.

“My proudest moment at UCA was making the dean’s list,” Bainter said. 

Antonio Ross, a business major and member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, was sponsored by Sigma Kappa. 

Ross performed a routine inspired by music from Usher, beginning with the song “Yeah.” His second performance continued the theme with several songs from the artist’s catalog and additional choreography.

Logan Releford, a physical education major and member of Pi Kappa Alpha, was sponsored by Delta Zeta. 

Releford performed a routine inspired by the Disney Channel film “Let It Shine.” 

His choreography mirrored dance moments from the film and included music and references to scenes from the movie during the second performance.

When asked during the question segment how he balances academics, social life and Greek involvement, Releford said academics remain his priority.

“For me, I focus on my academics first, and I’m always on top of my work,” Releford said. “That gives me time to be involved in my Greek fraternity and still have fun with my friends.”

Easton Bright, a finance major and member of Sigma Tau Gamma, was sponsored by Alpha Sigma Tau. 

Bright’s performance centered around music by Justin Timberlake and featured choreography inspired by the artist’s dance style. 

His second routine included songs such as “SexyBack,” “Cry Me a River” and “Suit & Tie.”

Bright was asked what advice he would give to incoming freshmen.

“My message to any upcoming freshman is just be yourself,” Bright said. “If you felt held back in high school or anything ever held you back, just be yourself in college and live your life.”

Sabella performed a routine inspired by “The Great Gatsby” that included songs and choreography connected to stage adaptations of the story. 

His performance included a vocal portion in which he sang live before finishing with a dance number.

Sabella was asked about the best advice he has received.

“The best advice I’ve ever received is actually from my parents,” Sabella said. “Give respect, and don’t expect respect to be given to you.”

During the event’s cash grab portion, a game resembling “Subway Surfers” played on screen while contestants collected donations from the crowd.

Following the cash grab, sophomore international studies major Ava Walker performed “It’s a Man’s World,” originally recorded by James Brown.

The competition concluded with a step performance segment. Each contestant performed a final routine before judges announced the awards.

Releford received the award for highest GPA among contestants. 

Sabella was named Crowd Favorite and also received the Campus Involvement award in addition to Spring King.

Proceeds from the event went toward supporting programs and initiatives organized by Special Olympics Arkansas.