Pius X finds recent success in crowded Nebraska scene

By Sutton Schweitzer, Nebraska Contributor

Pius X "Spectrum" performs their 2024 show, "Humans of New York." | PHOTO: Pius X

Before 2023, Pius X Spectrum was a Nebraska varsity group sitting around the middle of the state's hierarchy. They had won a few competitions, but these wins were infrequent, and they never achieved a multi-win season. Spectrum consistently finished in the lower half of finals, or in some cases, outside of finals entirely. However, their fortunes began changing when director Edgar Estrada took over Spectrum in 2023.

Spectrum appeared unchanged at the start of 2023 with Spectrum’s flower show placing in the lower half of finals at their first three competitions. This changed at Wahoo Court of Champions, where Spectrum took their first GC under Estrada while also winning Best Vocals and Best Choreography over Fort Madison “Swingspan.” Two weeks later at Lincoln Northeast, Spectrum would tie for Grand Champion with Grand Island Northwest 14 Karat Gold. At this competition, Spectrum won Best Vocals for the second time under Estrada and Best Band for the first time, completing their first multi-win season in group history.

Spectrum picked up right where they left off, finishing on the podium at every competition they competed at in 2024. They won three grand championships, sweeping Best Vocals and Best Choreography at each competition. Their first win in 2024 took place at the Elkhorn Red Carpet Classic, where they dominated the competition to claim two Best Soloist awards, one Best Performer award, and Best Band. Their second win came at Lincoln Northeast, a repeat of 2023. They claimed a third win at their final competition of the season, Millard North Galaxy of the Stars. Spectrum’s show, themed around the citizens and lifestyle of New York City, became the group’s winningest season, an honor it holds to this day. 

In 2025, Spectrum slowed down a little results wise from their 2024 season, but they were still a formidable group everywhere they went, finishing on the podium at every competition for the second season in a row. They earned a second runner up at their first competition where they beat Papio South, two straight first runner ups at their next two competitions, where they defeated Millard North, and another second runner up to close out their season. Their lone win came at their fourth competition, Lincoln Northeast, completing a hat trick of wins at that competition. At Lincoln Northeast, Spectrum would sweep with Best Vocals, Best Choreography, and Best Band over Lincoln “Chain Reaction.” Although 2025 wasn’t as dominant as 2024 for Spectrum, it was still a successful year for the group. 

The 2026 season marked a new era for Spectrum, as Edgar Estrada departed from Spectrum following a three year stint. Former assistant director Ian Mitchell and Lincoln East alum Austin Oltman took over Spectrum. Spectrum’s 2026 show took place at an arcade where two people from each other’s pasts reconnected and found love. The show garnered success for Spectrum, with three total podiums including a Grand Championship at Lincoln Northeast for the fourth consecutive year. They earned Best Vocals, Best Choreography, and Best Band to sweep their final competition. Spectrum remained strong in 2026, but 2027 will be a test for Mitchell and Oltman in whether they can keep this momentum moving forward.