Barbara Bass and Trenton Coleman were announced as this year’s Homecoming royalty during halftime of the football game on Saturday, Oct. 17. According to Assistant Director for Student Involvement, Missy Burgess, in total 1,454 people voted with Coleman receiving 355 votes and Bass receiving 338 votes. In contrast, in 2014, there were 492 people who voted. Bass, who was sponsored by UWO Athletics and is a member of the gymnastics team, said she was excited to hear her named called. “I was a little shocked, to be honest, but overall very thankful,” Bass said. “My whole team and family were in the stands cheering for me, and I felt very loved.” The anticipation was high even before the winners were announced because as stated in an email sent by Missy Burgess, voting was reopened for four additional hours after it closed due to a tie for second and third place. “It got really competitive,” Coleman said. “I wanted to just keep going and keep campaigning. That’s all I wanted to do.” Both winners received a free cap and gown, a $100 certificate to University Books and More, a diploma frame, a graduation announcement package and a crown. “For me it was great to get involved,” Coleman said. “I’ve not been very involved in past Homecomings, so this year made up for that.” Evans Hall community advisor, Coleman, felt the pressure to win as two CAs from Evans were named the winners last year. “I ran because my fellow CAs ran last year,” Coleman said. “The publicity and promotion part of it looked like a lot of fun.” Despite the cold weather on Saturday, Coleman was happy that his hard work campaigning paid off. “It was very cold that day and it was a long week,” Coleman said. “I know the 10 of us worked really hard, so the win was pretty exciting.” Coleman had friends from his hometown there to help him celebrate his win. “Some of my friends from high school were there, and it was exciting to have them there in the moment,” Coleman said. Bass also celebrated with her friends and teammates after her win. “Some family and friends joined me and Coach Karnitz at the 5th Quarter [Sports Bar and Banquet Hall] to celebrate,” Bass said. “I got the privilege of talking to several alumni and took a selfie with Chancellor Leavitt.” Though the candidates had a busy week, both winners enjoyed their experience. “One of the things I loved the most about being on court was all of the people I got to meet in the process,” Bass said. “We had a great court this year, and we all got along. I feel if I were to ever need my Titan family for anything, they would have my back in a heartbeat.” All of the candidates made appearances at events like the talent show and comedian Carly Aquilino’s performance. “My favorite part was the talent show,” Coleman said. “I had never been before and it was crazy to see all the talent UWO had. Plus the emcee’s were really funny.” Bass said she would recommend the Homecoming royalty experience to her fellow Titans. “I tell my fellow peers and athletes that they need to step outside of their comfort zones at least once every day,” Bass said. “For me, I guess this was simply leading by example.”