WEST PLAINS, Mo.– On Saturday, Feb. 16, two students at Missouri State University-West Plains will be crowned the 2013 Homecoming King and Queen during halftime ceremonies of the annual homecoming basketball game between the Grizzlies and Three Rivers College Raiders from Poplar Bluff, Mo.

The game will get underway at 7 p.m. in the West Plains Civic Center arena and will be sponsored by the Ozark Horse Trader.

King candidates include Taler Sutherland, West Plains, sponsored by Student Government Association (SGA); Cody Skidmore, Conway, sponsored by the Grizzly House residence hall; John Beam, West Plains, sponsored by Future Alumni Organization (FAO); TJ Wallis, New Bloomfield, sponsored by the Ringers horseshoe pitching club; and Dalton Stockton, West Plains, sponsored by the Grizzly Cheer Team.  All are sophomores.

Queen candidates are Anna Cantrell, Conway, sponsored by the Grizzly House; Nicole Rieken, Ava, sponsored by SGA; Krista Poole, Jefferson City, sponsored by FAO; Abby Luallin, Conway, sponsored by Student Ambassadors; and Hope Harris, West Plains, sponsored by Student Nurses Association.  All are sophomores.

Area residents can visit with all of the homecoming candidates during a special “meet and greet” reception at 6 p.m. in the civic center’s Redbud Room.  Also in attendance will be the 2012 Homecoming King and Queen Tony Ary and Kristi Ary.

Organizers said the 2013 king and queen will be crowned by Tony and Kristi Ary, and the queen will receive flowers from Chancellor Drew Bennett.

For more information about homecoming activities, call the Missouri State-West Plains student life and development office at 417-255-7233.