Amidst the chants and cheers of hundreds of student supporters, about 50 formal-attired candidates stood in wait to hear the announcement of the 2012 Homecoming Court Monday in the McAfee Gymnasium.

The candidates represented different registered student organizations, Greek organizations and resident halls as they competed for the four positions on Homecoming Court.

Darnell Tyms, a senior communication studies major, and Sherry Gunn, a senior family consumer sciences major, were crowned Homecoming King and Queen.

Tyms said he could not explain how he felt about winning king.

“It’s that feeling you get when you are 5 years old and you learn how to ride a bicycle on your own,” Tyms said. “You accomplish something, that you don’t necessarily doubt you can do, when you fulfill it, it fills like you are flying.”

Gunn said she feels like her role from now on is to be a good role model for others on campus.

“If this many people voted for me to win, it shows that they look up to me, so I can’t go and do anything crazy,” she said.

Toi Wiley, a sophomore business major, was named Homecoming Princess with Mitch Gurick, a sophomore business major, as Homecoming Prince.

Gunn said she was happy to represent Sigma Gamma Rho and to become Homecoming Queen.

Wiley said she did not believe she would win.

“It’s probably the best accomplishment I’ll ever have in college,” Wiley said.

Wiley said she is glad people saw her as a princess.

“I try to display (my school pride) in my campaign and interview,” Wiley said. “It was just happy that they saw that in me.”

Danny Turano, the University Board chairman, said the candidates had to go through a long process to become a member of the court.

“(The process) was really challenging,” Gunn said.

First the candidates had to be nominated by their organization or hall.

After the initial nominations, the candidates were interviewed by a panel of judges.

Turano said the interview process counts for 60 percent of the candidates’ points.

“All of their points, whether they win or not, comes from the interview,” Turano said.

Turano said during this process they are asked questions about how they represent the school and what they have done on campus.

He said some candidates are disqualified because of their grades or standing in school.

After this the remaining candidates are voted on by the campus community.

“I always feel bad, because not everyone can be a winner, but to the candidates who do win, they deserve it,” Turano said.

Turano said everyone should feel honored for participating in the coronation.

“It’s an honor just to represent their organizations,” Turano said.

The Homecoming committee also named little prince and princesses, as well as faculty king and queen.

Saddie Stowell, 7, was named Homecoming Little Princess.

Kevin Callahan, 8, was crowned Homecoming Little Prince.

The Homecoming Faculty King is Nick Sanders, an admissions counselor, and Mona Davenport, the director of the Minority Affairs office, was crowned Homecoming Faculty Queen.

Turano said the court plays an important role during Homecoming.

“The role of the king, queen, prince and princess—and even the runner ups—is representing EIU,” Turano said.

Members of different organizations came out to support their candidate and were recognized during a roll call at the beginning of the coronation.

Turano said the coronation is the kickoff of the Homecoming Week.

“I love coronation because it really sets the bar high for Homecoming Week,” Turano said. “Everyone is here, ready to bleed blue, be loud and have a lot of school spirit.”

Tyms said he plans on attending as many events on campus for Homecoming.

“My role is just to pump of the excitement next year when this tradition arises,” Tyms said.

Gunn said she want to help make Homecoming fun for the entire school.

“I’m just going to try to get all my friends to come and participate, help pump up the blue, support Homecoming and just have a lot of school spirit,” Gunn said.

Mitch Gurik was unavailable for comment.

Samantha McDaniel can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].