Gentzel (senior-finance and international business) and Gormley (senior-international politics) both said they were shocked when their names were announced.

"This is an honor to represent the student body and to represent Penn State," Gentzel said.

Similarly, Gormley said she was honored to be named Homecoming queen, adding that she was proud to be among the nominees.

"I think all the candidates were amazing," Gormley said. "They're all amazing women and men."

Each man and woman who was nominated walked down the steps of Old Main arm in arm, under a canopy of swords provided by the Penn State Air Force ROTC.

Following the coronation was the Airband Competition, which returned after a one-year absence. Student organizations paired up to choreograph a dance routine to a song related to their theme. Their themes are used in all competitions throughout the week, including the window painting competition and the float in Friday's parade.

Pi Beta Phi sorority member Amy Deatrich (sophomore-journalism and speech communication) said her sorority, along with Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, 321 E. Fairmount Ave., performed to Madonna's version of American Pie - whose song title shares their Homecoming theme. She said participation in the competition contributes to the spirit points each group gets. Points are awarded for each event that takes place during Homecoming week, and the group with the most points wins Homecoming.

"The purpose of it (Airbands) is to get people excited for the parade," Deatrich said.

As an independent, Ross Shearer (senior-political science) said he was in attendance because he wanted to be a part of the Homecoming events.

"I feel like Homecoming is the ultimate in Penn State pride," Shearer said. "Any event is incredible."

The 34 registered groups performed in front of about 100 people, and each had different takes on their songs. Men came dressed as women and vice versa. Some performances were highly choreographed while others seemed improvised, with any type of dance one might see at a club being performed in front of Old Main. The Lion Ambassadors' performance to the song "This is Me" by Dream was met with a positive response by the crowd. Members of the organization, normally seen leading campus tours in khaki pants and collared shirts, took the stage in jeans and T-shirts, and put on a choreographed performance that earned them a loud ovation.

Jamie Schneider, public relations chair for Homecoming, said last night she did not have the final scores but would get them today. For Gentzel, who was a morale captain in the 2001 Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon as well as a Lion Ambassador, being named Homecoming king is another thing he will remember about his years at Penn State.

"It was the culmination of so many amazing experiences," he said. "Everything I have done has been a great honor."