Rummel and Keni crowned homecoming royalty
The gold crown reflected in the stadium lights as it was placed atop Natali Keni’s brown hair, and joy radiated from her face. To her right, Cort Rummel stood tall, looking across the crowded stadium with a red robe draped over his shoulders.
With student votes tallying across campus, Chadron State College crowned its 2025 homecoming royalty, a longstanding tradition highlighting Eagle pride. On the cool evening of Sept. 25, nearly 50 student candidates waited anxiously for the winners to be announced. Before the event, each club on campus nominated two students who they felt represented their club and Eagle spirit for the special night.
The night had an energetic start as the drum line thudded on their drums and strummed electric guitars. Flips, jumps and stunts were performed by the CSC Spirit Squad as they waved their sparkly pompoms in the air and chanted at the top of their lungs.
“It’s heartwarming being so far away from home and still having all these people support me. It just felt amazing, and hopefully it’ll encourage others to come here as well,” Homecoming Queen Keni explained.
Keni is a junior majoring in early childhood inclusive education from Kahuku, Hawaii. She said winning homecoming queen means a lot, especially being so far from her family. Keni loves being able to use her bubbly, talkative personality to make connections around campus.
“It’s okay to talk to people outside of your club or sport. You might as well be friendly and talk to people in class or around campus,” Keni remarked.
Homecoming King Rummel is a junior majoring in sports, recreation, and lifestyle from Gurley, Neb. After hearing his name echo through the field speakers, Rummel said it felt rewarding to know that the connections he has made over the past couple of years are genuine.
“I just want to continue to build relationships. There are a lot of students around campus that I don’t know, and I want to continue to broaden my circle,” Rummel said. “I feel a combination of shock and joy tonight. There were a lot of great candidates out there and I’m super happy for all of them, but I couldn’t be happier myself,” he added.
As guests flooded out of the stadium, royalty quickly swapped their heels and dress shoes for tennis shoes. The king and queen joined the other nominees, CSC students, faculty, and staff to hike up C-Hill and illuminate the shape with lanterns.
From the sparkle of their crowns to the glow of lanterns shining on C-Hill, the night came to a pleasant end. Rummel and Keni will continue to act as leaders throughout their time at CSC. Both king and queen represent the Eagle spirit and say they will remember this night long after their time in Chadron.