Missouri Southern State University - Crossroads Yearbook (Joplin, MO)

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It ' s twice as nice for twin sisters Generally speaking, sisters have an almost constant rivalry while growing up. But not so with identical twins Leasa and Tresa Ryun, who were both 1985 Homecoming royalty finalists. The two juniors, both education majors, went so far as to “double campaign” for the crown to show people there was no rivalry between them. “We put our signs up side by side,” said Leasa. The twins didn’t stop there, however. They also had a poster made of the two of them together which they displayed around campus. It all started when the Council for Excep¬ tional Children (CEC) and Sigma Nu began the process of selecting a student to spon¬ sor for the Homecoming royalty competition. “CEC told us to choose between the two of us, and I told them to draw out of a hat,” Leasa said. As it worked out, Sigma Nu decided to sponsor Tresa, so CEC sponsored Leasa. “We were both real surprised that we were both nominated,” said Tresa. Although hesitant about the situation at first, the sisters were pleased with the end results. Said Leasa, “I was worried at first and almost dropped it.” Leasa, who was homecoming queen her senior year at Carthage High School, was worried that their friends might not know how to vote. In mentioning her high school title, Leasa was quick to point out that Tresa was voted “best looking” in high shcool and with a little encouragement from Tresa, she decided to stay in the running for the Missouri Southern competition. “I felt like it was an honor for both of us, and she shouldn’t have to decline an honor like that,” said Tresa. And how does one vote when running against her twin sister? “I voted for her and she voted for me,” said Leasa. “So we cancelled out each other’s votes,” Tresa added. The Ryuns were selected as finalists, and “that was enough for us,” said Tresa. “We were both happy.” While the two shared no bitterness about the contest, they felt that if they had been only friends and not twins, they may have felt a rivalry due to the fact that a person can always find another friend. “You can’t find another sister or another twin,” said Leasa. “It’s kind of like being married,” said Tresa. “You have to get along and find ways to get along.” Though they share interests such as reading, doing crafts, and riding bicycles, they are still individuals with some differences. “I run more readily than she would, but she does Jane Fonda more readily that I would,” said Leasa. “If we had the exact same interests it would be harder to get along,” said Tresa. “We’re together most of the time anyway.” “We have little breaks like work,” Leasa continued. Although Tresa and Leasa have par¬ ticipated in other queen contests, they had never competed in the same contest until the Homecoming competition. Tresa was crowned Maple Leaf Queen in Carthage in 1983, and Leasa was named Miss Fall Fiesta in Joplin in 1985. “We equal out,” said Tresa. Reflecting upon their both competing for Homecoming royalty, the twins feel it will be an event to remember since they shared it. “We had fun,” said Tresa. “We always have fun,” smiled Leasa. Ryuns ★

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(Clockwise from top left) Leasa and Tresa Ryun, twin sisters, were Homecoming royalty finalists. The Leon family enter¬ tains Larry Moore, the 1985 Outstanding Alumnus, at the cookout. An emotional Marsha Bishop is congratulated by Deb Noah. The 21st Century Steel Band plays at Homecom¬ ing— Photos by Allen Stinebrook Homecoming ★ uii

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(Opposite page) Leasa (left) and Tresa dressed alike for Homecoming. (Left) Leasa (wearing a wig) and Tresa each get haircuts at an early age. (Below) The twins pose with friends at the dance prior to Homecoming.