The Observer, October 21, 2005
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8
Homecoming King, Queen crowned
On Saturday Oct. 15, during halftime at the Homecoming game against the Washington Bears in The Village at 115 stadium, Case royalty was crowned. Senior Stephen Britcher was crowned the 2005 Homecoming King, and junior Elyse Moretti was crowned Homecoming Queen.
Britcher is currently in his fourth year at Case as a management major with a concentration in entrepreneurship, although he may have second thoughts in the future. "That [his major] may change to marketing depending on how this semester goes," Britcher said. He is also working toward a minor in political science.
Though he was born in Baltimore, Md., Britcher has lived in Knoxville, Tenn. for the past 11 years and now calls it home. His future plans include getting an MBA and owning his own business. "Although for now, I would not mind getting a job after graduation and getting some experience in industry," Britcher said.
He decided to run for king after people asked him last year why he wasn't a candidate. He thought it would be fun experience and a new thing to try for this year. "I really enjoy supporting student life at Case and being involved, and I saw running for king as one more way to show that and hopefully get others involved as well," Britcher said. He was sponsored by the Residence Hall Association (RHA).
When he won, he said the feeling was hard to describe. "It was just a really good feeling." He was glad that three of his best friends from Tennessee were there to share the weekend with him. "Thankfully, they got pictures and even a video clip of it all, because that was the first thing my mom asked about when I called home," Britcher said. He wants to express his appreciation for the support he received and looks forward to what the rest of the year will bring for the Case community.
First and second runner-ups for king were senior Nikhil Huprikar and senior Brian Latko, respectively. The announcement of the Homecoming King was followed by the announcement of Homecoming Queen.
However, there was confusion in the announcement when junior Christine Chambers was announced as Queen. "When they called Christine's name, I thought I should be disappointed, but I was still really happy, it was so fun to be on the field in front of all the students, staff, faculty, alumni, and everyone," Moretti said.
Her name was never mentioned during the announcement, but she was shortly crowned by the 2004 Homecoming Queen, senior Sonali Arora. "So then I was just standing there and I realized that the announcer hadn't said my name at all, so I was really confused. Then I noticed the UPB people were kind of shaking their heads like something wasn't right. Then Sonali came towards me and put the crown on my head and they said I had won. I really couldn't believe it, but I was really happy," Moretti said.
Moretti is in her third year at Case and plans to graduate with a major in biology and psychology. From Cheswick, Pa., she identifies herself as a Steelers fan. She hopes to someday work with kids, possibly as a pediatrician.
She was nominated for queen by the sisters of Alpha Chi Omega and was honored to accept the nomination. "I was in disbelief, but really really happy," Moretti said about her announcement as Homecoming Queen. "I love Case Western, and I am so excited and honored to have been a part of Homecoming."
Despite a devastating Case loss to the Washington Bears, the spirit of the Homecoming Court triumphed.
