Carlos and Julie Cornay named 2026 Trojan Days parade marshals

September 28, 2026

MADISON, S.D. -- Dakota State University alumnus Carlos Cornay '82 and his wife, Julie Cornay '80, have been selected as the 2026 Trojan Days Homecoming Parade marshals.

Carlos Cornay came to Dakota State from Hot Springs, South Dakota, after being recruited to play football. A quarterback for the Trojans, he was part of the undefeated 1977 team that captured Dakota State's second consecutive conference championship. He earned a degree in physical education and health, with a minor in social psychology.

Carlos '82 and Julie Cornay '80 are the 2026 Trojan Days Homecoming Parade marshals.

After graduating, Cornay coached at Dakota Wesleyan University and later taught and coached at Parkston High School before beginning a career outside education. Throughout the years, he remained connected to athletics and continued following Dakota State.

In recent years, Carlos has become one of Dakota State's most active alumni supporters. Along with fellow alumni Tom Farrell and Mark Thomas, he helped establish the Trojan Monogram Club to reconnect former athletes and activity participants with the university. The organization also supports current students through service projects and assistance during unexpected hardships.

Carlos and Julie have been married since 1981 and raised three sons. Now living in Sioux Falls, they enjoy traveling and spending time with their family, while football season still centers on Dakota State games, tailgates, and alumni gatherings.

"There are so many people worthy of it," Carlos said of the parade marshal honor. "I appreciate the people who thought so much of me to extend that offer. I hope what the Monogram Club established can continue and increase involvement and participation from alumni."

The 2026 Trojan Days Homecoming Parade will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10. Because of construction along Egan Avenue, the parade will follow a different route this year. It will begin on Washington Avenue at Ninth Street, turn onto Sixth Street, continue onto Egan Avenue, and end at the Depot.

Football tailgating will begin at 11:30 a.m. east of the Beacom PREMIER Complex. The Trojans will host Dickinson State at 3 p.m. on Blankley Field in the Brian Kern Family Stadium.

For parade details, route information, and the full Trojan Days schedule, visit dsu.edu/trojan-days.

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