Queen candidates, representatives to reign over Homecoming festivities by TammyVeazey Bison staff writer The crowning of a new queen will highlight the 1996 Homecoming festivities during the Bisons' game against Ouachita Baptist University Saturday. Jackie Wood– Blasdel, Kathy Nieman and Jody Rhoten are the football team's nominees, one of whom the student body chose to be queen by popular vote. Wood-Blasdel is a junior transfer student from Arkansas State University in Mountain Home, Ark. Although busy with her first semester at Harding, she is enjoymg her elementary education classes and would like to pursue a degree in art. Her hobbies include painting, canoeing, fishing and shopping. She is married to her high school sweetheart, offensive lineman left guard Steve Blasdel. When the nominees were announced in chapel, Wood-Blasdel was absent because of illness. Dr. Neale Pryor told Steve about the announcement, and when he told her about it, Jackie said, "The one day that they say my name in chapel, I wasn't there," and then added, "Since I'mnew here, I thought itwas so nice of them to nominate me." Wood-Blasdel's father, JackWood ofMountainHome, Ark., will escort her on game day. Wood said he was excited and proud of his daughter, but nervous about his role. "Exactly how many people are going to be at this game?" he asked, and then said, "I wonder if I'll be in the yearbook." Nieman, who is a second year nominee, is from Arpin, Wis. Her responsibilities as a senior biology major and a member of Shantih social club keep her busy. Her academic honors include the dean's list and Phi Eta Sigma. Nieman hopes to attend medical school after graduation. She spendsherfree timemaking crafts and crocheting. Nieman said she was quite shocked at being nominated a second time. "Although it would be an honor to be queen, being nominated is an honor in itself," she said. Her parents are hoping to be able to attend the homecoming festivities. Her husband, Kevin Nieman, who plays defensive end, is also expecting his parents to visit for the weekend. Rhoten, a native of Arlington, Texas, is a senior majoring in elementary education. She is a member of Kappa Delta Pi, Ko Jo Kai social club and has been named to the dean's list. For relaxation, Rhoten enjoys spending time with her friends and family and watching sports. "I'm better at watching sports than I am at playing them," she said. Two weeks ago, Rhoten had a ring ceremony celebrating her engagement to Danny Allison, center and captain of the football team. Reflecting on her feelings about being nominated, Rhoten said, "I felt honored, but I feel it was a reflection on Danny also. I was happier for him than for myself." Rhotensaid she felt embarrassed about her reaction during the chapel announcement. "Danny knew and didn't tell me. I could have been prepared and practiced a graceful reaction," she said. Rhoten's parents will attend the festivities. She said theywere very excited because Rhoten's sister-in-law was also a nominee two years ago. Rhoten's dad, who had thought the players escorted the nominees, felt especially honored after learning he would have the pleasure of escorting his daughter during the ceremony. Other members of the Homecoming court include representatives Shawna Sciba, senior; Betty Davis, junior; Stacey Dempsey, sophomore; and Kelly: Lauterbach, freshman. Crownbearers are Tate Benton, son ofMarkandMelody Benton, and Logan Albright, daughter of Terry and Nancy Albright.
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