Team members savor 'Dancing With the Stars' memories

Second place is still pretty sweet, according to Sean Lyons and Tracy Matz.

Lyons, 19, of Naperville, and Matz, 21, of Des Plaines, are members of Purdue University's Latin and Ballroom Dance Team. The group competed during the first "Dancing with the Stars" amateur college dance championship this month, beating a team from the University of California-San Diego to advance to Tuesday's finale.

And while the team eventually lost to Utah Valley University, both Lyons and Matz said the competition was a golden opportunity.

"Of course there was a bit of disappointment because we all worked really hard," Matz said. "But we concentrated on soaking up the moment. After all, how many chances do you have to be on 'Dancing with the Stars?'"

Lyons said everything about the performances - even getting to know the winning Utah team - was an inspiration. He said both teams developed camaraderie and encouraged each other through the stress of appearing on national TV.

Lyons added that meeting fellow Naperville native Evan Lysacek fueled his ambition.

"It's so cool to meet young people who are doing what they love and have accomplished such great things like an Olympic gold medal," Lyons said. "You strive to do the same thing they are doing, even if it's on a smaller level."

Both students said they aren't sure what lies ahead for the Purdue dance team. Lyons said he has heard murmurs of the school's publicity team trying to secure a spot on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" but nothing is certain.

Matz explained that many students who performed on Tuesday's show are graduating seniors, so it may take time for the Purdue team to rebuild to its current level.

She added that the two trips to L.A., hours of practice and finding grace under pressure with her teammates was actually the best part of the whole competition.

"After three intense weeks spending every hour together, we got to know each other better than we ever could during the regular season," Matz said. "Normally things would just wind down and we would head home, so it was a great ending to the year."