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Munoz Crowned Homecoming King
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As his classmates erupted into applause and fellow candidates quickly stood in line to shake his hand and offer congratulatory hugs, Escalon High School senior Fernando Munoz quietly accepted the honor of being named Homecoming King 2008.

Presented with his 'King' sash and crown by Homecoming Queen Staci Gentry, Munoz was announced as the King during halftime festivities of the varsity boys basketball game on Friday night.

Though the hoop contests didn't go Escalon's way - all three Cougar teams lost to visiting Ripon Christian - the selection of Munoz as King provided some satisfaction for the cheering crowd.

Munoz was selected over fellow seniors Nick Aprile, Jake Caton, Austin Jackson and Josh May. Each candidate was escorted to center court by their parents as emcees Madison Kisst and Lupe Herrera read information about them, including tidbits about their activities at Escalon High, future plans and best memories of high school.

"I was excited," admitted the newly crowned King after accepting the thunderous applause from the crowd. "It's something different ... I'm happy and proud."

The lone soccer player among a sea of football standouts in the running for the crown, Munoz helped guide the varsity Cougars to the Trans-Valley League soccer championship and into a strong postseason run this past fall. He hopes to continue playing soccer when he heads to Modesto Junior College after graduation.

He was accompanied on Friday night by his dad Ildefonso Munoz and mom Eladia Munoz.

One of six children, his siblings are Rosi, Estela, Sacramento, Samuel and Marisela Munoz. The Homecoming King said his best memory at Escalon is winning TVL for soccer this year. He enjoys Chinese food, works in landscaping and is planning to pursue a career as a highway patrolman.

He also is part of the 'Be The Change' group at school, working to unite all students on campus.

Gentry, who received her crown as Homecoming Queen during the fall football season, happily placed the King's crown on the head of Munoz as the other candidates crowded around to cheer him on.

All candidates took part in a Friday afternoon rally at the school, with the various grade levels also decorating the gym with their class colors and a variety of banners to add to the school spirit.

In basketball action, the freshmen lost by a wide margin to Ripon Christian, with the JV boys also falling short. The varsity battled tough throughout the contest before eventually losing by an 11-point margin.