New Royalty Reigns as Students Crown the 2024 Homecoming Court
Just as the leaves began to change, one tradition remained constant at Bluefield University: Homecoming weekend. For students, alumni, faculty, staff and families, this annual celebration offers a chance to reconnect with old friends, relive memories, and create new ones.
This year, BU hosted many events for Homecoming, including an inauguration of Dr. Steven Peterson as the university’s 10th president, a theatrical production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Mountaintop Madness to introduce the BU basketball teams, an annual bonfire, and one of the most notable events, the football game against Kentucky Christian University.
In addition to the big game, one of the most anticipated traditions during Homecoming weekend is the crowning of the Homecoming Court, a symbolic recognition of students who have demonstrated what it means to be a Ram. The following students were selected by the student body to represent their class during Homecoming weekend
Freshmen
Dylann Trump and Ian Iddi
Sophomores
Sophia Bradley and Benedict Sommes
Jessica Aristy and Moises Aristy
Juniors
Eledy Torres and Eric Boyd
Tristen Gillenwater and Jack Everix
Abigail Bradley and Cameron Justis
Kendal Barrett and Brayden Surface
Seniors
Jenna Atwell and Andrew LaPan
Jared Hoch and Macy McBride
Georgia Lewis and Timothy Crabtree
Abigail Gasperson and Kyle Pietrzak
Cianna Carter and Tanner Wimmer
Courtney Frame and Quantavis McKinney.
Senior representatives Lewis and Crabtree were crowned Homecoming Queen and King.
“I’ve made so many friends and memories in the last four years,” Lewis said in reflecting on what it means to represent BU, “so being able to be a part of Homecoming was special.”
Lewis is the starting libero for the women’s volleyball team and is a part of many other groups and clubs on campus.
Her favorite memory during her time at BU was beating Bryan College in the first home game of the season as many other students, faculty and staff packed the Dome to support the volleyball team.
“I’ve created lifelong bonds with my teammates and other teams here,” Lewis said. “I’ve been taught by amazing professors and worked alongside great faculty. The people really make Bluefield special.”
After graduation, Lewis plans to move back to her home state while pursuing a law degree from the University of South Carolina.
After winning Homecoming King, Crabtree, spoke about his favorite part of the Bluefield University community.
“There is so much diversity on campus,” he said. “We have students from all over the world, and it is so interesting to find out how different cultures and communities compare to the small part of the world I am accustomed to.”
Holding the title of Homecoming King he added means a great deal to him because of the support he received from his teammates and friends.
“I saw several of my friends campaigning and asking people to vote for me,” Crabtree said. “It also means a lot that people thought enough of me to vote me King across campus considering the other amazing students in the running.”
While winning Homecoming King at Mitchell Stadium was an honor, Crabtree shared his most favorite memory on the football field.
“After winning my last ever football game, I walked over to my family and took my girlfriend by the hand where we took my final walk across the football field,” he noted. “As we walked, I told her all my favorite memories over four years, but when we got to the 38-yard line, I kneeled down and asked her to marry me.”
In addition to getting married, he plans to continue his career in nursing with WVU Medicine after receiving his nursing degree from BU.
For many, being named to Homecoming Court is a memorable highlight of their college experience, a recognition that marks the culmination of years of hard work and involvement in the campus community. It’s an honor not only for the selected students but for the entire campus as it reinforces the sense of Ram pride and tradition that Bluefield University holds so dear. Senior candidate Carter shared how special it was to be selected to the court.
“It allows you to embrace your school pride and be a representative of your classmates and other members of Bluefield University, such as alumni and employees,” she Carter said.
Homecoming weekend is more than just a series of events; it’s a time for students to create lasting memories that will stay with them long after they’ve walked across the graduation stage. Senior representative Pietrzak reflected on his favorite memory from the weekend.
“Watching the senior football team — specifically Andrew LaPan, Timothy Crabtree and Jared Hoch — get a must-needed Homecoming win was easily the best part of the weekend,” he said.
Whether it’s reuniting with old friends, experiencing the thrill of the big game, or participating in spirited campus traditions, these moments create a sense of belonging and pride. For many, it’s a chance to pause and reflect on how far they’ve come and the incredible experiences that make their college years unforgettable. We can only imagine that Bluefield University Homecoming 2025 will offer just as much joy and excitement.