ANGOLA, Ind. (WLKI)- Trine University crowned its 2026 Homecoming queen and king during the annual Thunderstruck Pep Rally October 2 at the MTI Center.
Carly Hutcherson, a senior from Arcadia, Indiana, was named Homecoming queen. Keith Knafel, a junior from Albion, Indiana, was named Homecoming king.
Hutcherson is an exercise science major in Trine's direct-entry 3+3 Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. She is the daughter of Jeanne and Joe Hutcherson.
She serves as vice president of the Pre-Occupational Therapy Club and social chair of Gamma Phi Epsilon sorority. Hutcherson is also a third-year dancer with the High Voltage Dance Team.
After completing her undergraduate work, she plans to continue doctoral studies at Trine University's Brooks College of Health Professions in Fort Wayne. Her career goal is to specialize in pediatric occupational therapy.
Knafel is majoring in accounting and actuarial science. He is the son of Kevin and Nicole Knafel.
He serves as secretary of Student Government and is also secretary and a member of the Professional Exam Prep Club. Knafel participates on Trine's cross country and track teams, serves on the SPARK events committee, and works as a campus tour guide and orientation leader.
After graduation, he plans to become a certified public accountant.
The 2026 Homecoming court also included Macy Bonifield of Warsaw; Evyenia Butterfield of Valparaiso; Ally Capouch of Kouts; Keegan Corbin of Kendallville; Ben Hercules of New Franklin, Ohio; Jake Land of Fremont; Annemarie Moore of Hillsdale, Michigan; Seth Richey of Greenfield; Sage Scherzer of Elkhorn, Wisconsin; and Judah Witmer of Angola.
Bonifield is an elementary and special education dual major who leads the Drama Club and competes in track and field. Butterfield is a life sciences secondary education major who serves in Gamma Phi Epsilon and the Society of Future Educators.
Capouch is studying finance and accounting while completing a master's degree in business analytics. She is a member of the women's basketball team, Gamma Phi Epsilon and the Student Athletic Advisory Committee.
Corbin is in Trine's pre-physical therapy program and holds leadership roles in Tau Kappa Epsilon. Hercules is a design engineering technology major involved with Newman Catholic Fellowship, Trine Choir and Trine Theatre.
Land is a finance major, Sigma Phi Epsilon member and athletic events intern. Moore is a finance major who leads Women in Business. Richey studies biology and environmental science and serves in Student Government.
Scherzer is an athletics and recreation major, varsity skater and sports information assistant. Witmer is a psychology major who serves as vice president of Delta Chi and as a Greek senator in Student Government.
According to Trine University, the court members were recognized for their campus involvement, leadership and contributions to student life.
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