On a night that featured 11 of the funniest students MSU had to offer, it was a set of dance moves that earned Jerome Crawford the title of "Last Spartan Standing."
Crawford, an interdisciplinary studies in social science junior, took home the honor Friday at the International Center.
"I think (the dance routine) was comedy in itself, and I think it's something that people can relate to," Crawford said. "All the comedy I do, I like to call it real-life comedy."
Crawford's nine-minute routine touched on common issues such as bathroom etiquette and Facebook.com, but when Crawford called his group of friends who were sitting in the audience on stage to finish the routine to music, the crowd responded warmly.
"People love stuff they can actually remember and can relate to," Crawford said. "I really like to dance because I think dancing in itself has a bit of humor to it."
Professional comedian Rebecca Corry, who served as a judge for the competition, said she was impressed with Crawford's routine but wasn't sold on his dance skit.
"He definitely has potential," Corry said.
"He has good stage presence and definitely could do it. My least part favorite was the dance routine.
That's not necessary, and that's not going to happen if he's a comedian. He's not going to have a posse with him."
Journalism senior Tom Keller, last year's champion, finished second in the competition, and Joe Yashinsky, a journalism senior, came in third.
The University Activities Board, or UAB, held open tryouts for students who wished to participate in the event. UAB Director of Films Matt Mergener said the judges had a criteria sheet but didn't necessarily follow it when choosing the competitors.
"Basically, we were just looking at people who could make us laugh out loud," Mergener said.
Corry said she enjoyed performing on campus.
"It was great," she said. "Especially since I had 11 openers."
Corry, who began her work in Chicago before moving to Los Angeles and Seattle, has appeared on popular shows, such as NBC's "Late Friday," CBS's "Yes, Dear" and "The King of Queens," and FOX's "The Bernie Mac Show."
She has been traveling to different colleges since participating in NBC's "Last Comic Standing" and Comedy Central's "Premium Blend."
"Comedy is such an ongoing process for years and years," Corry said.
"You're constantly changing it and constantly rewriting and constantly trying to get better. If this is what (Crawford) chooses to do, know that it's going to be a very long journey and take risks, and don't be the same as everyone else because you'll never stand out."
