The story of the 1982 Int'l Quartet Champion Classic Collection is pretty unique in many respects. It all began in Hastings Nebraska in 1968. Original baritone, and long-time barbershop enthusiast, "Papa Joe" Heltne, and his son Terry invited two aspiring singers, one a natural tenor and the other an operatic vocal major from the Hastings College choir, to join them for an evening of singing. Before it was over, Larry Wilson a lead, and Curt Hutchison, a tenor, agreed that this foursome, originally called "Three Lads and a Dad," should stay together. They worked hard and rose in the ranks of the Central States District. After a short hiatus due to Larry's four year stint in the Navy, they changed their name to "Classic Collection" , and eventually found themselves the winners of the 1975 Central States District Quartet Championship.

In 1977 Classic Collection won another district contest and became the first quartet champion of the newly created Rocky Mountain District. By achieving the fledgling district's highest honor at its very first convention, they became the ONLY Society quartet ever to have captured the championship in TWO different districts. Harkening back to their early quartet days, this hardworking, conscientious quartet strived each year to hone their skills, and dramatically improve their scores. After 6 years on the International contest stage, (rising through the ranks that started at 32nd place in 1976) they had stuck with it long enough and worked hard enough to realize their dream. In 1982 they achieved the coveted gold medal and lifetime honor of International Quartet Champion.

Awards
1982 - Barbershop Quartet Champions