The Oak Bowl at Peru State

The

OAK BOWL SEPTEMBER 6, 2014 | PERU STATE COLLEGE

WELCOME TO THE HISTORIC OAK BOWL! Oak Bowl Ribbon-Cutting Game vs. Midland University September 6, 2014 Welcome from President Dan Hanson.......................................... 2 Groundbreaking and Construction ...............................................4 Brief Recap of a Long History............................................................6 Athletics Through the Years..............................................................6 Oak Bowl Origins....................................................................................8 1990 NAIA National Champions.....................................................10 Coaching Legends............................................................................... 12 The History of Bob ..............................................................................14 Peru State Athletic Hall of Fame .................................................... 15 The Oak Bowl from Above...............................................................16 Football Records...................................................................................18 Student Successes...............................................................................22 A True Blue Family Tradition: The Mertens Family.................26 Our Sincere Thanks ............................................................................28 Football Booster Club – 22 Years of Support for the Bobcats ..................................30 Peru State 150 ........................................................................................30 Peru State College Foundation ..................................................... 31 National Alumni Association History ......................................... 32

The Peru State football field and team circa 1910.

Nebraska’s First College • Established in 1867 • Peru, Nebraska • 1-800-742-4412 Member Institution of the Nebraska State College System Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1915 • Accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) • A member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Peru State College is an equal opportunity institution. PSC does not discriminate against any student, employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion or age in employment and education opportunities, including but not limited to admission decisions. The College has designated an individual to coordinate the College’s nondiscrimination efforts to comply with regulations implementing Title VI, VII, IX and Section 504.

Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies and practices may be directed to Eulanda Cade, Director of Human Resources, Title VI, VII, IX Compliance Coordinator, Peru State College, PO Box 10, Peru, NE 68421-0010, (402) 872-2230.

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WELCOME FROM PRESIDENT DAN HANSON “I want to extend heartfelt thanks on behalf of everyone at Peru State for the unwavering support lent to this project by the Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees and Chancellor Stan Carpenter. I also want to thank District 1 State Senator and current Lt. Gov. Lavon Heidemann and District 48 State Senator John Harms for their diligent work and leadership.”

Peru State President, Dan Hanson Lieutenant Governor Lavon Heidemann Senator John Harms

After two years and approximately $9 million we are excited to rededicate Peru State’s historic Oak Bowl, which means we are another step closer to realizing an important vision for our future.

The investment in the Oak Bowl is only a part of the almost $60 million the state of Nebraska has committed to improving our facilities and building a strong college in southeast Nebraska. These important appropriations have positioned the college well to play an expanding role in building an even better Nebraska and illustrate the confidence our leaders have in Peru State. Already there is an increased interest in Peru State from the major population centers as demonstrated through applications.

The revitalized Oak Bowl will allow Peru State to be competitive both on the field and in student recruitment. As one of the largest outdoor facilities in southeast Nebraska the lighted, turfed field will be used for much more than football and our active intramural program. We envision a variety of other academic and co-curricular events happening here - events like band competitions, camps and high school football playoffs.

I want to extend heartfelt thanks on behalf of everyone at Peru State for the unwavering support lent to this project by the Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees and Chancellor Stan Carpenter. I also want to thank District 1 State Senator and current Lt. Gov. Lavon Heidemann and District 48 State Senator John Harms for their diligent work and leadership. They, along with their colleagues on the Appropriations Committee, helped to secure $7.5 million to renovate the facility - the largest single construction appropriation for Peru State by the state of Nebraska.

The Nebraska Legislature’s support of higher education and investment in southeast Nebraska are critical to Peru State’s future success. The funding could not have come at a better time for the college. It is an important enhancement to one of the more visible aspects of Peru State.

It is contributing to a sense of momentum and prominence at a time when parents and prospective students expect excellence in facilities.

The state-appropriated monies, as well as generous contributions from private donors, have funded the renovation of the stadium, press box, concourse area, concession stand, restrooms and pedestrian access. New drainage, field turf and stadium lights have been installed and the field has been widened to provide the potential to play soccer games. It is a beautiful facility befitting one of the most picturesque campuses in the country.

I also want to acknowledge the generosity of Bill and Lucille Sapp and Lee Sapp, owners of Sapp Brothers Travel Centers and Petroleum, who made the first significant gift to the project. Their donation of $500,000 is the largest single non-estate gift in the institution’s history. The Sapps’ donated the funds to honor their mother, Emilie Hubka Sapp, and sisters Veloura Sapp Barnard and Zelma Sapp Drake, all of whom attended Peru State and taught in Nebraska country schools. And while the Sapp’s investment in Peru State may have started with the Oak Bowl, it is spilling over into academics. Lee, who has quietly funded four years of college for more than 110 Nebraskans, has given the initial gift to establish a significant endowed scholarship that will fund the education of hundreds of Peru State students for years to come.

As you can imagine, it has taken countless people hundreds, if not thousands of hours and millions of dollars to see this project to fruition.

It’s an exciting day for Peru State and the Bobcat nation. Since 1901 the Oak Bowl has stood as a testament to what hard work, true grit and creative initiative can accomplish. Thank you for joining us to celebrate the rededication of this beautiful new facility.

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Homecoming 2011

Lieutenant Governor Lavon Heidemann

Lee Sapp, Bill and Lucile Sapp, Zelma Sapp Drake and Ilma Gottula

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L-R: Foundation Director Todd Simpson, Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Steve Schneider, President Dan Hanson,Lt. Gov. Lavon Heidemann, State Senator Mike Flood, State Senator Chris Langemeier

GROUNDBREAKING AND CONSTRUCTION

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A BRIEF RECAP OF A LONG HISTORY Peru State College dates back to Dec. 2, 1865, when its predecessor, Mount Vernon College, was organized by a group of early settlers who resolved to place the school under the “care and management of the Methodist Episcopal Church.”

In 1867, the same year Nebraska become a state, the new Legislature established a training school for teachers at Peru. Civil War Leader and State Legislator Colonel T.J. Majors proposed that the school be made into a state university.

Though the offer was rejected, the state legislature, on June 20, 1867, did accept the institution as a “normal school” - several months before the state university was established. For the next 38 years the Peru School was the only teacher education institution in the state.

As Nebraska’s population increased the legislature extended normal schools from two-year to four-year institutions and authorized them to grant the degrees of Bachelor of Arts in Education, Bachelor of Science in Education and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Education. At the same time the name of the school was changed from State Normal School to State Teachers College.

When the United States entered World War II, the college trained

ATHLETICS

THROUGH THE YEARS

1880s - Football was first played

at Peru State. As with many sports at that time, games were played among students at the college since they were not sanctioned as a college activity by the college.

Baseball and football games were held in pastures surrounding the town.

1900 - Baseball was organized as a competitive sport but was phased out in 1920 and not

revived until 1958 when a new field was built under the direction of Coach Al Wheeler. The field was built where the current football practice field is located today. Baseball did not make the move to Centennial Complex baseball field until the early 1990s.

1901 - President W. A. Clark felt it

was important for students to get regular exercise. He literally led the way with an ax and spade,

with the assistance of faculty and students, and carved out what we know today as the Oak Bowl. The field was christened on Thanksgiving Day 1901 with a football game against Falls City High School.

1902 - Basketball, before the

completion of the chapel and gymnasium in 1905, was played outdoors in the Oak Bowl or on the tennis courts where today’s T. J. Majors stands. The first game recorded for men’s basketball was the 1902-03 season. In the 1905-06 season, Peru defeated

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officers for the armed forces. The first of an eventual 500 men in the Navy’s V-12 program arrived on campus July 1, 1943. The college operated an accelerated program for both civilian students and naval trainees.

In 1949, the Legislature authorized the Nebraska State Colleges to confer the Bachelor of Arts degree.

In 1963, the college’s name was changed to Peru State College. The Bachelor of Science degree was authorized in 1965.

Emerging from its role as a single-purpose teachers college, the college is now a regionally accredited state college offering a wide variety of programs to meet the changing needs of southeast Nebraska and beyond.

Peru State’s “Campus of a Thousand Oaks,” an arboretum nestled in historic southeast Nebraska, offers a unique mix of innovative online and traditional classroom undergraduate and graduate programs, including online graduate degrees in education and organizational management. It is a college of choice fostering excellence and student achievement through engagement in a culture that promotes inquiry, discovery and innovation.

Nebraska City 19-16 in the first game in the new gym, located in the chapel basement. The women’s basketball team defeated a team from Tecumseh, 18-2 in their first game in the new gym.

1906 - Peru State joined the

newly formed Nebraska Intercollegiate Athletic Association (NIAA). Member included Doane, Hastings, Grand Island, Nebraska Central of Central City, York, Bellevue, Cotner and Nebraska Wesleyan. Later the NIAA formed into the Nebraska

College Conference where Peru State competed for several years.

1907 - As one

of the first sports at the college, track and field began at Peru State in the spring of 1907 but ended in 1986.

It is one of many sports to come and go at the college, including tennis, boxing, men’s golf, men’s volleyball, wrestling, and men’s cross country.

1922 - With the

construction of the Auditorium in 1922, the gym was relocated to the main floor of the building and a swimming pool was built in the basement.

1963 - Women’s

cross-country was introduced when Jim Pilkington organized the first squad. It consisted of four track athletes and two basketball players.

1971 - While the sport was played within the college since the early 1920’s, Peru State volleyball did not compete collegiately until 1971. In their inaugural season, the volleyball team’s record stood at 17-3.

1974 - Softball

came to Peru State, finishing its inaugural season with a 8-6 record.

Before the construction of the college’s current field,

games were played at the city of Peru’s softball field. The first game at the Centennial Complex field was held in the spring of 1994.

1980 - The Al Wheeler Activity

Center (AWAC) was built to assist in enrollment growth, athletic success, and to strengthen the bond between the college and the community. The new building housed a new gymnasium, classrooms and athletic offices.

The AWAC was renovated 28 years later, featuring new playing courts, locker rooms, training facilities,

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athletic offices, and a new fitness and weight room open to students, athletes and members of the community.

2011 - Peru State joined the Heart

of America Athletic Conference (HAAC). The move to the HAAC was part of a strategic move to compete at a higher level and to have all Bobcat sport programs in the same conference.

OAK BOWL ORIGINS Peru State College’s gridiron tradition dates back to 1885 when the institution established Nebraska’s first collegiate football team. Tired of playing games off campus on the south side of town, college personnel and students made the decision to carve out a piece of Nebraska history – the Oak Bowl.

Utilizing a natural indentation in the earth just east of the “Old Main” building, workers wielding hand tools of axes and spades toiled to prepare the field for its debut on Thanksgiving Day 1901.

The dedicatory game between the Nebraska State Normal School and Falls City High School ended in victory for the home team with a score of 30-0.

The area was later christened, “The Oak Bowl” as a tribute to the amphitheater’s stunning arbor surrounding.

The early playing field was as basic as its surroundings were beautiful.

Spectators sat on dirt banks adjoining a shorter than regulation field with only one goal post.

Bleachers were added to the facility in 1910 and in 1915 seating was added to the west side. Ten years later the field was widened and lengthened and drainage installed. The result was a 207 by 600-foot area, which included the football field, the area for the current grandstand, a quarter-mile

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track around the field and two tennis courts on the south end of the stadium.

Concrete seats were built on the west side of the facility in 1952. In 1968, dressing rooms for home and visiting teams were added to the area. On September 24, 1983, the lights short-circuited and were never used again. A press box was added in 1985.

In 1996, stadium seats were purchased from the former Ak-Sar-Ben facility in Omaha and installed, courtesy of the Bobcat Football Booster Club.

On September 6, 2014, following a comprehensive renovation, Peru State’s historic Oak Bowl was rededicated. It stands today as a testament to what hard work, true grit and creative initiative can accomplish.

From undefeated seasons to a national championship, the Bobcat football tradition remains strong, visible in the rousing spirit of competition and a sense of community pride.

- “The Normal on the Hill”

by Ernest Longfellow

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1990 NAIA NATIONAL CHAMPIONS On Dec. 15, 1990, the Peru State College football program captured its first National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division II national title, defeating two-time defending national champion Westminster College.

Omaha World Herald

The school’s first undefeated regular season since 1953, the Bobcats bested Midland University by a score of 37-7 to head to the playoffs with a record of 8-0-1. The tie, Peru’s first in 12 years, was the final score of a game against the NCAA Division II Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats in which a heavy downpour left the final score 10-10. Peru State’s first national playoff win was against Wisconsin-LaCrosse in the Oak Bowl where the Bobcats won 24-3.

The Bobcats went on to face Dickinson State University (N.D.).

After a 20-point deficit, the Bobcats came back in the second half to score four touchdowns to clinch a 38-34 quarterfinal win.

After narrowly missing the semifinals, the team went on to face Baker University (Kan.), a team that had knocked the Bobcats out the first round of playoffs the year prior. Revenge was sweet for Peru State as the ‘Cats claimed victory over Baker by a score of 27-3.

Caniglia Field at the University of Nebraska at Omaha was where the Bobcats would make history taking on the Westminster College (Pa.) Titans for the NAIA Division II national title in front of 3,000-plus loyal fans.

The Bobcats posted the only points of the first half on a 9-yard pass from Nate Bradley to Troy DeBoest early in the second

quarter. Westminster scored in the third quarter with a 41-yard pass. With the score tied in the fourth quarter, Peru State made a 38-yard field goal by Ron Shaneyfelt and scored with a 20-yard interception return by defensive back Adrian Witty.

Defensively, the Bobcats sacked the opposing quarterback seven times to hand Westminster its second loss in 40 games.

team only totaled 299 yards (238 passing, 61 rushing) with Scott Gerdes being the game’s leading rusher with 58 yards on 18 carries.

Bobcat linebacker Bob Hansen, who had eight solo tackles, seven assists and a sack, was named outstanding defensive player.

At the final gun, the ‘Cats had prevailed 17-7.

In NAIA Division II final statistics, Peru State ranked ninth in total offense (441.6 yards per game), third in passing (320.9) and sixth in scoring defense (12.4 points per game).

Peru State quarterback Nate Bradley was named outstanding offensive player of the game, completing 15 of 34 passes for 238 yards and a touchdown.

Averaging 440 yards a game, the

Coach Tom Shea was named Division II Coach of the Year by the NAIA Football Coaches Association. Shea left Peru State in 1991 with a record at Peru State of 34-18-1.

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1990 SEASON RESULTS @Carroll MT W Dana NE W Southwest State MN W @Doane NE W Northwestern IA W Teikyo Westmar IA W @Benedictine KS W @Northwest Missouri State T Midland Lutheran NE W *Wisconsin-LaCrosse W *@Dickinson State ND W *Baker KS W *Westminster College W *denotes playoff game

21-7 42-27 27-17 53-12 22-6 34-14 35-13 10-10 31-27 24-3 38-34 37-3 17-7

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COACHING LEGENDS HALL OF FAME COACH JACK MCINTIRE

Class of 1969 Induction Class 1986

McIntire enjoyed great success as an athlete, high school coach and at Peru State. He earned 10 letters and was All-State in football and basketball, graduating in 1941. He was inducted into the NAIA Football Hall of Fame in 1957.

1956 while at Falls City High School. That fall he returned to coach basketball at his alma mater, Peru State, where he was named “Coach of the Year” in 1961 and 1963. His basketball team won 250 games and had four national tournament appearances. He also coached football, track and cross-country. He served as athletic director before retiring in 1973.

McIntire was named high school “Coach of the Year” by the Lincoln Journal Star and Omaha World Herald in

HALL OF FAME COACH JERRY JOY

Class of 1964 Induction Class 1999

A native of Shubert, Neb., Joy returned to his alma mater in 1975 to rebuild a struggling Bobcat football program as head coach. In the 13 seasons before Joy arrived the Bobcats had won only 29 games under five

different coaches. Joy posted a 40-36-2 mark in eight seasons with the Bobcats and took the 1979 team to Peru’s first post-season game in 25 years. He went on to become an administrator at Peru State.

HALL OF FAME COACH ALFRED G. WHEELER

Induction Class 1986

A native of Oberlin, Ohio, Wheeler came to Peru State in 1938 after spending two years coaching at Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles, Calif., two years as a freshman coach at Iowa State University, and nine years as assistant and later head baseball, basketball and football coach at Amherst College in Massachusetts.

By the time he retired in 1965, Al Wheeler had established an outstanding winning record and football program - the likes of which has been matched by few small colleges in the nation.

In November 1952, when the Sugar Bowl was the number one bowl game, one of Notre Dame’s four horsemen and syndicated columnist Harry Mehra announced his first choice for the national championship game was Peru Nebraska Teachers College versus Georgia Tech. Peru’s record for the season was eight wins and no losses with 267 total points to the opposition’s 60 points.

“Coach Al” served the “Campus of a Thousand Oaks” from 1938 through 1965. An educator, coach and friend to hundreds of students, Wheeler posted a 129-56-10 football coaching record from 1938 to 1960.

He also headed the Bobcat basketball, track and baseball squads, earning many conference titles in each sport.

Wheeler passed away in 1982, but his legacy will always live on at Peru State. He was inducted into the Peru State Athletic Hall of Fame in 1986 and the college’s gymnasium, the Al Wheeler Activity Center, is dedicated to his memory.

Wheeler was president of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) from 1953-54, and was named to the NAIA Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 1956 while still an active coach.

BOBCAT CAREER COACHING RECORDS Head Coach

Years

W-L-T

Win Pct.

Lon Graf

1923-29

47-7- 6

.783

Jay Adcox

1983-85

13-16-0

.448

Unknown

1900-06

17-15-3

.486

Glen Gilkeson

1930-37

29-30-6

.446

Tom Shea

1986-90

34-18-1

.642

L.D. Scherer

1907-08

4-5-1

.450

Al Wheeler

1938-60

129-57-12

.652

Lou Saban

1991

7-4-0

.636

Elbert Burnett

1909

4-2-1

.643

Jack McIntire

1961-63

15-8-4

.556

Monte Meadows 1992-94

13-16-1

.433

Alpha Brumage

1910-11

6-4-2

.500

Erv Pitts

1964-68

11-32-2

.244

Dick Strittmatter 1995-2000 31-26-1

.534

R.W. Thacker

1912

2-4-2

.375

Joe Pelisek

1969-71

3-26-0

.103

Ryan Held

2001

5-5-0

.500

Earl Johnson

1913-17

13-19-4

. 361

Jack McIntire

1972-73

8-12-0

.400

Terry Clark

2002-2011 41-65

.387

Bob Riley

1974

4-6-0

.400

Steve Schneider 2012-Pres 12-10

.545

Jerry Joy

1975-82

40-36-2

.513

24 coaches

No Games played in 1918 due to WWI W.G. Spear

1919-22

21-10-0

.667

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111 years 502-428-47 .538

FOOTBALL COACHING ALL-TIME SEASON RECORDS

Coach Al Wheeler

Coach- Unknown - 1900-1906 (17-15-3), 7 yrs 1900 (1-0-2) 1901 (3-2-0) 1902 (4-0-1) 1903 (0-2-0) 1904 (3-3-0) 1905 (3-3-0) 1906 (3-5-0) L.D. Scherer - 1907-08: (4-5-1), 2 yrs 1907 (3-1-1) 1908 (1-4-0) Elbert Burnett - 1909: (4-2-1), 1 yr 1909 (4-2-1) Alpha Brumage - 1910-11: (6-4-2), 2 yrs 1910 (2-2-2) 1911 (4-2-0) R.W. Thacker - 1912: (2-4-2), 1 yr 1912 (2-4-2) Earl Johnson - 1913-17: (13-19-4), 5 yrs 1913 (1-4-1) 1914 (3-3-2) 1915 (2-5-0) 1916 (7-1-1) 1917 (0-6-0) No Games played in 1918 due to WWI W.G. Spear - 1919-22; (21-10-0), 4 yrs 1919 (5-2-0) 1920 (5-4-0) 1921 (5-3-0) 1922 (6-1-0) Lon Graf - 1923-29: (47-7-6), 7 yrs 1923 (6-1-2) 1924 (8-0-0) 1925 (6-3-0) 1926 (7-1-1) 1927 (8-0-0) 1928 (6-1-1) 1929 (6-1-2)

Glen Gilkeson - 1930-37: (29-30-6), 8 yrs 1930 (4-2-1) 1931 (4-4-1) 1932 (6-2-0) 1933 (5-2-1) 1934 (5-3-0) 1935 (2-5-1) 1936 (1-7-1) 1937 (2-5-1) Al Wheeler - 1938-60 (129-56-12), 23 yrs 1938 (1-7-0) 1939 (7-1-1) 1940 (7-0-2) 1941 (4-3-1) 1942 (6-2-1) 1943 (3-3-2) 1944 (2-5-0) 1945 (4-1-1) 1946 (4-4-1) 1947 (3-4-2 ) 1948 (4-4-0) 1949 (4-5-0) 1950 (7-2-0) 1951 (8-2-0) 1952 (10-0-0) 1953 (8-0-0) 1954 (7-2-0) 1955 (7-2-0) 1956 (6-3-0) 1957 (7-2-0) 1958 (7-1-0) 1959 (7-1-0) 1960 (6-2-1) Jack McIntire - 1961-63: (15-8-4), 3 yrs 1961 (7-1-1) 1962 (5-2-2) 1963 (3-5-1)

Erv Pitts - 1964-68: (11-32-2), 5 yrs 1964 (2-7-0) 1965 (4-5-0) 1966 (2-7-0) 1967 (1-7-1) 1968 (2-6-0) Joe Pelisek - 1969-71: (3-26-0), 3 yrs 1969 (0-9-0) 1970 (2-8-0) 1971 (1-9-0) Jack McIntire - 1972-73: (8-12-0), 2 yrs 1972 (3-7-0) 1973 (5-5-0) Bob Riley - 1974: (4-6-0), 1 yr 1974 (4-6-0) Jerry Joy - 1975-82: (40-36-2), 8 yrs 1975 (4-6-0) 1976 (3-7-0) 1977 (5-5-0) 1978 (5-3-2) 1979 (6-4-0) 1980 (9-1-0) 1981 (7-2-0) 1982 (1-8-0) Jay Adcox - 1983-85: (13-16-0), 3 yrs 1983 (4-5-0) 1984 (6-4-0) 1985 (3-7-0) Tom Shea - 1986-90: (34-18-1), 5 yrs 1986 (3-7-0) 1987 (5-5-0) 1988 (6-4-0) 1989 (8-2-0) 1990 (12-0-1) Lou Saban - 1991: (7-4-0), 1 yr 1991 (7-4-0) Monte Meadows - 1992-94: (13-16-1), 3yrs 1992 (7-2-1) 1993 (3-7-0) 1994 (3-7-0)

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Dick Strittmatter - 1995-2000: (31-26-1), 6 years 1995 (3-5-1) 1996 (7-3-0) 1997 (6-4-0) 1998 (4-5-0) 1999 (3-7-0) 2000 (8-2-0) Ryan Held - 2001: (5-5), 1 yr 2001 (5-5-0) Terry Clark - 2002-2011: (41-65), 10 yrs 2002 (2-8-0) 2003 (7-4-0) 2004 (1-9-0) 2005 (1-10-0) 2006 (7-4-0) 2007 (6-5-0) 2008 (4-6-0) 2009 (7-4-0) 2010 (4-7-0) 2011 (2-8-0) Steve Schneider - 2012-Pres.

2012 (5-6) 2013 (7-4)

THE HISTORY OF BOB Peru State College athletic teams did not have a mascot until 1921 when “Baldy” Wilcox, sports editor of the school’s newspaper the Pedagogian, and Dean W.N. Delzell decided the pseudonickname given to Peru’s teams, “The Teachers,” didn’t fit. Wilcox was interested in something a bit more intimidating.

Wilcox came up with a motto, “Fight like a Bobcat,” and proposed the mascot to the athletes. The Peru State College Bobcats were born.

On Oct. 27, 1927, Peru State was given a live Bobcat - the first team in the conference to have a live mascot. Dean Delzell accepted the gift from George Hansen, class of 1912.

“Bob” the Bobcat lived in a cage south of the Peru State Auditorium until his death in 1938. He was then preserved and resided in the Student Center for decades.

The current Bobcat logo evolved in 2004 and was designed by Peru State Art Professor Dr. Randy Waln.

- “The Normal on the Hill”

by Ernest Longfellow

1980s

1990s

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2004

2013

THE ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME Peru State College athletes, coaches and others honored as inductees into the Hall of Fame are recognized for their superlative achievements.

They represent the legion of Bobcats who have contributed to Peru State College's rich athletic tradition.

The purpose of the Athletic Hall of Fame is to foster an appreciation of the past, an enjoyment of the present and an anticipation of future memories to be made by the Bobcat's flourishing nine-sport athletic program.

TEAM INDUCTEES Teams (Record)

Year Inducted

1927 Football (8-0)

1994

1938-39 Men’s Basketball (20-6)

1989

1940 Football (7-0-2)

1990

1943-45 Navy V5/V12 Teams

1999

1948-49 Men’s Basketball (20-3)

1991

1952 Football (10-0)

1987

1953 Football (8-0)

1996

1961-62 Men’s Basketball (23-5)

2011

1965 Cross Country (#3 in national poll)

1990

1980 Football

2002

1988 Women’s Basketball

2001

1990 Football (12-0-1) NAIA II Nat’l Champs

2000

1991 Football (7-4)

2004

1992-93 Men’s Basketball (27-6)

2007

INDIVIDUAL INDUCTEES Name Fred Applegate Nate Bradley Roosevelt Brown Sid Brown Walter “Blitze” Buettengach Ken Clark Burdette “Bo” Cowel Phyllis Davidson Dr. Wayne Davidson Ned Eckman Elaine Banks Ferin Kevin “Bud” Frohling Rex Floyd Louis “Lou” Fritz Kristi (Olberding) George Douglas “Hoot” Gibson Lon Graf Lora White Gulley Mick Haney Homer Hatcher Tim Hendricks Paul “Swede” Hertz Alvin Holder Jerry Joy Chet Korber Newt Kyle

Years at PSC Year Inducted 1952-55 2011 1989-91 2011 1977-80 1995 Meritorious Service 2011 1922-25 1987 1951-55 1999 1930-34 1988 1927-59 1988 1985-94 2004 1952-53 2002 1987-89 2000 1973-76 2009 1938-41 1992 1962-66 2001 1986-90 1998 1955-58 2000 1922-29 1987 1990-94 2007 1980-81 2004 1929-33 1991 1964-68 2007 1925-29 1987 1978-81 1993 1975-1983 1999 1929-32 1992 1947-52 1986

Joe Krejci Pat Krzycki Shari Paczosa Kucera Robert “Bob” Lade Melvin Larsen Earnest L. “Dutch” Lorbeer Jim Mather Ollie Mayfield Jack McIntire Omer Meeker Chuck Mizerski Darrell Mudra Mike Mulvaney Dr. James Pilkington Brendan Raybourn Tamir Anderson Riley Harley Rector Arlene “A.B.” Ritchie Wayne Riggs Bonnie Rutz Erin O’Grady Sayer Danny Shouse Brad Smith Bert E. Swenson Connie Viner-Blank

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1925-29 1985-88 1981-85 1950-54 1942-43 1928-36 1938-40 Meritorious Service 1956-73 1947-51 1965-68 1947-48 1968-71 1962-69 1997-00 1990-94 1951-52 Meritorious Service 1933-37 Meritorious Service 1987-90 1977-79 1986-89 1905-09 1984-89

1987 2001 2013 1988 2007 1994 1989 1998 1986 1986 2013 1989 1995 1995 2011 2013 2002 1987 1988 2013 2002 1998 2013 2009 1999

THE OAK BOWL FROM ABOVE

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FOOTBALL RECORDS

PERU STATE FOOTBALL ALL-AMERICANS

INDIVIDUAL FOOTBALL CAREER TOP 10

Year 1951 1951 1958 1978 1978 1978 1980 1980 1981 1981 1981 1982 1984 1985 1986 1987 1987 1988 1988 1989 1989 1989 1990 1990 1990 1990 1990 1990 1991 1991 1991 1991 1991 1992 1992 1992 1994 1994 1995 1996 1996 1997 1997 1998 2000 2002 2002 2003 2003 2006 2011 2013

Rushing

Name Pos. Bob Lade OL Ken Clark FB Jim Rosenquist OG Ken Denning DB Alvin Holder RB Bob Hruby DT Roosevelt Brown WR Alvin Holder RB Marty Haverty OL Alvin Holder RB Garland Shafer DB Anthony Roberts DE Todd Ross DT Mike Lincoln DB Mike Lincoln DB Brian Levin PK Brad Smith OL Shane Alexander DE Brad Smith OL Pat Haxton OL Kory Lind LB Ron Shaneyfelt PK Nate Bradley QB Cory Catterson WR Scott Gerdes SB Kurt Hasley DT Cornelius Riley DB Ron Shaneyfelt PK Nate Bradley QB Cory Catterson WR Kurt Hasley DT Tim Herman DT Ron Shaneyfelt PK Mark Fritch DT Steve Gaines LB Jim Gilbert TE Steve Gaines LB Alex Malcolm DB Nick Maher DB Kevin Vogel LB Zach Sangster KOR Luc McGhee OL Kevin Vogel LB Luc McGhee OL Nate Armagost OL Scott Beveridge WR Paul Heuskinvelt LB Scott Beveridge WR Jason Long LB Jeff McQuinn DE Preston Bruss LB Tyler Ford OL

Team Hometown AP Little College All-American Tecumseh, NE NAIA 2nd Team Howe, NE NAIA 3rd Team Essex, IA NAIA Honorable Mention Lakewood, CO NAIA Honorable Mention Tampa, FL NAIA Honorable Mention Comstock, NE NAIA 1st Team Tampa, FL NAIA 1st Team Tampa, FL NAIA Honorable Mention Nebraska City, NE NAIA 1st Team Tampa, FL NAIA 2nd Team Shubert, NE NAIA Honorable Mention Columbus, OH NAIA Honorable Mention Syracuse, NE NAIA Honorable Mention Topeka, Kan. NAIA Honorable Mention Topeka, Kan NAIA 1st Team Granite City, IL NAIA 2nd Team Lincoln, NE NAIA Honorable Mention Hershey, NE NAIA 1st Team Lincoln, NE NAIA Honorable Mention Norton, KS NAIA Honorable Mention Lincoln, NE NAIA 1st Team Omaha, NE NAIA 1st Team Newark, NJ NAIA 2nd Team Lincoln, NE NAIA Honorable Mention Auburn, NE NAIA 2nd Team Plymouth, NE NAIA Honorable Mention Deerfield Beach, FL NAIA Honorable Mention Omaha, NE NAIA Honorable Mention Newark, NJ NAIA Honorable Mention Lincoln, NE NAIA Honorable Mention Plymouth, NE Kodak College Division 1st Team Lincoln, NE NAIA Honorable Mention Omaha, NE NAIA Honorable Mention Palmyra, NE NAIA Honorable Mention Watson, MO NAIA 2nd Team Table Rock, NE NAIA Honorable Mention Watson, MO NAIA 2nd Team Tabor, IA NAIA Honorable Mention Shenendoah, IA NAIA 2nd Team Grand Island, NE NAIA Honorable Mention Palmyra, NE NAIA Honorable Mention Hartington, NE NAIA Honorable Mention Grand Island, NE NAIA Honorable Mention Hartington, NE NAIA Honorable Mention Lexington, NE NAIA 2nd Team Reno, NV NAIA Honorable Mention Crete, NE NAIA Honorable Mention Reno, NV NAIA Honorable Mention Nebraska City, NE AFCA-NAIA 1st Team Council Bluffs, IA BSN Honorable Mention Bennet, NE AFCA-NAIA 1st Team Lincoln, NE

4,900 2,648 2,229 2,220 2,187 2,139 2,009 1,872 1,840 1,795

Alvin Holder Mike Mertens Anthony Lee Jeff George Gary Rosenbeck Mark Whitaker Barry Reed James Jerry Marv McGill

John Bookwalter

1978-81 2004-07 1994-98 1981-84 1973-77 1988-91 1970-73 1988-92 1977-80 1956-59

Nate Bradley Jamie Stinson Curtis Thompson Jason Eaton Toby Henry Tommy Aldana Mark Sievers Terry Criger Mike Haney Derek Falor

1988-91 1994-97 2007-2010 1990-93 2000-2003 1998-2001 1980-83 1969-71 1980-81 2006-07

Cory Catterson Scott Beveridge Rosey Brown Todd Liberty John Winkel Scott Gerdes Zach Sangster Doug Barlow Terry Rice Shane McGooden

1988-91 2001-2004 1977-80 1996-99 1969-72 1987-90 1995-98 1980-83 1993-96 1993-95

Passing

10,439 8,500 5,185 4,919 4,666 3,091 2,703 2,570 2,465 2,171 Receiving

3,699 3,219 2,468 2,398 2,196 2,045 1,764 1,711 1,501 1,436

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INDIVIDUAL GAME RECORDS Longest Interception Returned for Touchdown

100 - Gordon Thompson vs. Kearney State, 1971 95 - Adrian Witty vs. Wisconsin-LaCrosse, 1990 88 - Bobby Stephens vs. SW State MN, 1991 87 - Tony Perry vs. Concordia NE, 1986 71 - Reggie Randolph vs. Evangel MO, 1987 70 - Neil Wolfe vs. Huron SD, 1983 70- Robert Rigby vs. Culver-Stockton Mo., 2011 68 - Dellyn Feighner vs. Missouri Western, 1992 58 - Mike Lincoln vs. Northwestern IA, 1985 45 - Tony Perry vs. Doane NE, 1987 Most Passing Yards

464 - Toby Henry vs. Iowa Wesleyan, 2003 416 - Nate Bradley vs. Teikyo-Westmar IA, 1990 412 - Nate Bradley vs. Carroll MT, 1990 410 - Jamie Stinson vs. IA Wesleyan, 1994 394 - Jason Eaton vs. NE Wesleyan, 1992 386 - Jason Eaton vs. Northwestern IA, 1992 385 - Jamie Stinson vs. OK Panhandle State, 1996 379 - Nate Bradley vs. Nebraska Wesleyan, 1989 376 - Nate Bradley vs. Doane NE, 1990 357 - Toby Henry vs. Haskell KS, 2002

High Established Completion Percentage

.733, Tyler Francis vs. Missouri Valley, 2011 (11-15)

Punt Returns

Longest Touchdown Pass

Most Returns

99, Jamie Stinson to Sunny Lofton vs. Iowa Wesleyan, 1994 Longest Pass No Score

67, Jason Eaton to Shane McGooden vs. Dana NE, 1992

Most Yards on Returns

203, Rosey Brown vs. Tabor KS, 1980 (6 returns) Most Returns for Touchdowns

Receiving

1, many players (last Michael King, Jr. vs. Texas College, 2005)

Most Passes Caught

Longest Return for Touchdown

17, Terry Rice vs. Hastings NE, 1994 Most Yards Gained

238, Scott Beveridge vs. Iowa Wesleyan, 2003 (10 catches) Most Touchdown Receptions

4, Doug Barlow vs. Tarkio 4, 1981

90, Ross Pilkington, 1959 Kickoff Returns Most Returns

6, Logan Paben vs. Benedictine, 2013 (161 yards) 6, Jimmy Ellis vs. Iowa Wesleyan, 2002 (130 yards) 6, Jimmy Ellis vs. Northwestern Okla., 2002 (125 yards) 6, Jeff George vs. Nebraska Wesleyan, 1984

Total Offense

Most Yards on Returns

Most Plays

692, Garrett Campbell, 2011 (7 Games) Most Touchdowns on Returns 1, several players (last Garret Campbell vs.

Culver-Stockton College, 2011)

78, Jamie Stinson vs. Chadron, NE, 1997 (13 rush, 65 pass) Most Yards Gained

433, Nate Bradley vs. Teikyo-Westmar IA, 1990 (17 rush, 416 pass)

Rushing

Scoring

Most Rushes

Most Points Scored

40, Ethan Bray vs. Culver-Stockton, 2013 (252 yards)

6, Rosey Brown vs. Tabor KS, 1980 (203 yards)

Longest Return for Touchdown

100, Shane McGooden vs. Doane NE, 1994 100, Garland Shafer vs. Yankton SD, 1981

36, Alvin Holder vs. Kansas Wesleyan, 1980 (6 touchdowns)

Interceptions

252, Ethan Bray vs. Culver-Stockton, 2013 (40 rushes) 252, Scott Gerdes vs. Baker KS, 1990 (31 rushes)

Most Touchdowns Scored

Most Touchdowns Scored

Most Field Goals Made

3, Max Virus vs. Dana, 2009 3, Tony Uhlir vs. Nebraska Wesleyan, 1992 3, Bobby Stephens vs. Northwestern, 1991 3, Scott Sullivan vs. Baker KS, 1990 3, Tony Perry vs. Northwestern, 1988 3, Tony Perry vs. Concordia, 1988

Most Yards Gained

6, Alvin Holder vs. Kansas Wesleyan, 1980 (27 rushes)

6, Alvin Holder vs. Kansas Wesleyan, 1980 (36 points)

Longest Touchdown Run

4, Ron Shaneyfelt vs. Teikyo-Westmar IA, 1990 4, Rick Reigert vs. Huron SD, 1983

95, Victor Williams vs. Iowa Wesleyan, 1986

Most Field Goals Attempted

Longest Run No Score

5, Brian Levin vs. Sioux Falls SD, 1986

71, Lynn Meyer vs. SW Nazarene Univ., 2006

Most Extra Points Made

9, Ron Shaneyfelt vs. Concordia NE, 1989 Passing

Most Extra Points Attempted

Most Attempts

9, Ron Shaneyfelt vs. Concordia NE, 1989

65, Nate Bradley vs. Teikyo-Westmar IA, 1990 (33 completions) 65, Jamie Stinson vs. Chadron State NE, 1997 (26 completions)

Most Points Scored by Kicking

Most Completions

56 yards, Brian Levin vs. Evangel MO, 1987

33, Nate Bradley vs. Teikyo-Westmar IA, 1990 (65 attempts) Most Yards Gained

464, Toby Henry vs. Iowa Wesleyan, 2003 Most Touchdown Passes

7, Jason Eaton vs. Nebraska Wesleyan, 1992

16, Levi Cockle vs. Culver-Stockton College, 2011 (3 FG, 7 PAT) Longest Field Goal Made

Punting Most Punts

12, Mickey Hale vs. Northwestern IA, 1985 Longest Punt

79, Todd Schneider vs. Langston OK, 1999

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Most Interceptions

Longest Interception Return

100, Gordon Thompson vs. Kearney State, 1971 (TD) Attendance Records Record Paid Attendance in Oak Bowl

2,183 vs. Baker KS, 1989 National Events Hosted in Oak Bowl

1989 NAIA Division II First Round vs. Baker KS 1990 NAIA Division II First Round vs. Wisconsin-LaCrosse

FOOTBALL RECORDS INDIVIDUAL SINGLE SEASON RECORDS Total Offense

Receiving

Punt Returns

Most Plays

Most Passes Caught

602, Nate Bradley, 1990 ( 74 rushes, 528 passes)

71, Scott Gerdes, 1990 (13 games) Most Passes Caught per Game 6.80, Scott Beveridge, 2002 (68 in 10 games) Most Yards Gained 1,223, Cory Catterson, 1990 (13 games) Most Yards Gained per Game 116.1, Scott Beveridge, 2002 (1,161 / 10 games) Highest Average Gain Per Catch 22.3, Rosey Brown, 1980 (26 catches / 581 yards) Most Touchdown Passes Caught 16, Rosey Brown, 1980 (10 games)

Most Returns

Most Plays per Game

46.3, Nate Bradley, 1990 ( 602 in 13 games) Most Yards Gained

3,828, Nate Bradley, 1990 (22 rush, 3,806 pass) Most Yards Gained per Game

294.5, Nate Bradley, 1990 (3828 in 13 games) Highest Average Gained per Play

6.7, Nate Bradley, 1989 (2525 yards in 376 plays) Rushing Most Rushes

267, Alvin Holder, 1980 (9 games) Most Rushes per Game

Most Yards on Returns

581, Rosey Brown, 1980 (22 attempts) Highest Average per Return

26.4, Rosey Brown, 1980 (22 attempts) Most Touchdowns Scored

2, Rosey Brown, 1979 (10 games) 2, Rosey Brown, 1980 (10 games) 2, Scott Gerdes, 1989 (10 games) 2, Mike Lincoln, 1985 (10 games)

Scoring

Kickoff Returns

Most Points

Most Returns

29.7, Alvin Holder, 1980 (267 rushes in 9 games)

144, Ryan Ludlow, 2012 (11 games) 127, Ray Fort, 1927 (8 games)

Most Yards Gained

Most Points Scored per Game

1,614, Alvin Holder, 1980 (267 rushes)

32, Scott Gerdes, 1990 (13 games)

15.8, Ray Fort, 1927 (127 points in 8 games)

30, Jimmy Ellis, 2002 (10 games) 30, Randy Den, 1970 (10 games) Most Yards on Returns

601, Jimmy Ellis, 2002 (10 games)

Most Touchdowns Scored

Highest Avergage per Return

Highest Average Yards per Rush

24, Ryan Ludlow, 2012 (11 games) 20, Ray Fort, 1927 (8 games)

Most Touchdowns Scored

7.6, Mark Whitaker, 1989, (935 yards in 123 rushes)

Most Touchdowns Scored per Game

Most Touchdowns Scored

2.50, Ray Fort, 1927 (20 in 8 games)

22, Ryan Ludlow, 2012 (11 games) 17, Alvin Holder, 1980 (9 games)

Most Field Goals Made

Most Yards Gained per Game

179.3, Alvin Holder, 1980 (1,614 in 9 games)

Passing Most Attempts

528, Nate Bradley, 1990 (13 games) Most Attempts per Game

40.6 Nate Bradley, 1990, (528 attempts in 13 games) Most Completions

264, Nate Bradley, 1990 (13 games) Most Completions per Game

20.3, Nate Bradley, 1990 (264 attempts in 13 games) Highest Completion Percentage

.587, Tyler Audsley, 2013 (81 comp. / 138 att.)

Most Consecutive Attempts without an INT

96, Jamie Stinson, 1997 (ended vs. Chadron State) Most Yards Gained

3,806, Nate Bradley, 1990 (13 games) Most Yards Gained per Game

292.8 Nate Bradley, 1990 (3,806 in 13 games)

19, Ron Shaneyfelt, 1990 (13 games) Most Field Goals Made per Game

1.8, Brian Levin, 1987 (18 in 10 games) Most Field Goals Attempted

29, Ron Shaneyfelt, 1990 (13 games) Highest Percent of Field Goals Made (Min. 1 att/game)

.818, Ron Shaneyfelt, 1989 (9 of 11) Most Extra Point Kicks Made

50, Ron Shaneyfelt, 1990 (50 of 54 with Post Season) Most Extra Point Kicks Attempted

54, Ron Shaneyfelt, 1990 (50 made in 13 games) Highest Percent of Extra Points Made

.976, Ron Shaneyfelt, 1990 (41 of 42 in Reg. Season) Most Points Scored by Kicking

97, Ron Shaneyfelt, 1990 (13 games) High Points per Game by Kicking

7.70, Brian Levin, 1989 (77 points in 10 games) 7.70, Brian Levin, 1987 (77 points in 10 games)

Most Yards Gained per Attempt

Punting

8.55, Jason Eaton, 1992 (310 att. for 2,649 yards)

Most Punts

Most Yards Gained per Completion

78, A.J. Mertens, 2005 (11 games)

15.77, Jason Eaton, 1992, (168 comp. /2,649 yards)

Highest Average per Punt

Most Touchdown Passes

42.3, John Bookwalter, 1959

26, Nate Bradley, 1990 (13 games) Highest Percentage for Touchdowns .148, Tommy Aldana, 2000 (12 TD’s / 81 completions)

Most Net Yards

2,764, Chuck Humphrey, 1990 (13 games) 20 | OAK BOWL RIBBON-CUTTING | SEPTEMBER 6, 2014 |

29.7, John Cress, 1999 (416 yards/14 returns) 1, several players - (last Garrett Campbell, 2011 vs. Baker University) Longest Return for Touchdown

100, Garland Shafer vs. Yankton SD, 1981 100, Shane McGooden vs. Doane NE, 1994 Interceptions Most Interceptions

11, Scott Sullivan, 1990 (13 games) Most Interceptions per Game

0.85, Scott Sullivan, 1990 (11 INT in 13 games) Most Interceptions Returned for Touchdowns

2, Adrian Witty, 1990 (13 games)

INDIVIDUAL SINGLE SEASON TOP 10 Rushing Yards

1,614 1,408 1.280 1,219 1,211 1,145 1,103 936 934 904

Record Holder Alvin Holder Alvin Holder Ethan Bray Ryan Ludlow Mike Mertens Alvin Holder Jeff George Mark Whitaker Victor Williams Mark Whitaker

Receiving Touchdowns

Year 1980 1981 2013 2012 2007 1978 1984 1989 1987 1991

16 14 11 10 10 9 8 8 8 7

Rosey Brown Scott Beveridge Cory Catterson Scott Beveridge Jim Gilbert Cory Catterson Rosey Brown Shane McGooden Todd Liberty Quentin Edelman 2010

Passing TD

1980 2002 1990 2003 1992 1991 1978 1995 1997

Most Rushing Attempts Passing Yards

3,806 2,699 2,649 2,550 2,503 2,215 2,208 2,138 2,124 2,074

Nate Bradley Nate Bradley Jason Eaton Nate Bradley Toby Henry Jamie Stinson Jamie Stinson Curtis Thompson Jamie Stinson Toby Henry

1990 1991 1992 1992 2002 1994 1997 2009 1996 2003

267 248 246 245 241 227 219 212 198 198

Alvin Holder Mike Mertens Jeff George Alvin Holder Ethan Bray Alvin Holder Ryan Ludlow Jeff George Mike Mertens Mark Whitaker

1,223 1,217 1,161 970 936 934 916 800 772 765

Cory Catterson Cory Catterson Scott Beveridge Rosey Brown Scott Beveridge Scott Gerdes Todd Liberty John Winkel Shane McGooden Jim Gilbert

1990 1991 2002 1980 2003 1990 1997 1972 1995 1992

22 17 16 12 12 12 12 11 11

Ryan Ludlow Alvin Holder Tyler Audsley Ethan Bray John Noojin Mark Whitaker Jeff George Alvin Holder Mike Mertens

2012 1980 2013 2013 2008 1989 1984 1981 2007

1990 1992 1989 1991 1996 1997 1993 2003 1980

11 8 7 7 6 6 6 6 5

Scott Sullivan Bobby Stephens Max Virus Pat Mertens Barry McGooden Tony Perry Mike Lincoln Curtis Pruitt Rusty Fuller

1990 1991 2009 1984 1992 1988 1986 1981 2006

Quarterback Sacks

528 390 386 354 340 337 336 332 323 313

Nate Bradley Nate Bradley Jamie Stinson Toby Henry Jamie Stinson Toby Henry Jason Eaton Nate Bradley Jamie Stinson Jamie Stinson

1990 1991 1994 2003 1997 2002 1993 1989 1995 1996

Scott Gerdes Scott Beveridge Cory Catterson Rosey Brown Cory Catterson Zach Sangster Terry Rice Scott Beveridge Scott Gerdes Sunny Lofton

1990 2002 1990 1980 1991 1997 1994 2003 1989 1994

Receptions Rushing Touchdowns

Nate Bradley Jason Eaton Nate Bradley Curtis Thompson 2009 Nate Bradley Jamie Stinson Jamie Stinson Jason Eaton Toby Henry Mick Haney

Interceptions

1980 2007 1984 1981 2013 1978 2012 1983 2006 1991

Passing Attempts Receiving Yards

26 24 23 20 20 19 19 18 17 17

71 68 68 66 63 63 61 59 53 52

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15 14 12 12 11.5 11 11 10 10 9 9

Kevin Niday Robert Arnold Bob Hansen Kurt Hasley Jeff McQuinn Todd Ross Anthony Roberts Mark Fritch Vernon Gant Anthony Roberts Rick Ripperger

1980 1992 1989 1990 2006 1983 1982 1992 1979 1981 1987

STUDENT SUCCESSES Student achievement is at the heart of Peru State College’s mission. Creating an educational environment that encourages student participation and leadership is critical to ensuring that our students are able to draw on their experiences to respond effectively to future challenges. Relevant coursework, undergraduate research and professional development opportunities all play an important role in the education process. By giving our students the tools needed to think critically, we ensure they can compete successfully.

CHAMPIONS OF CHARACTER The 1966 Peru State football brochure gave this account of what athletics meant to its players and the institution.

“As in the past, men will learn how to win and lose with grace; leadership learned on the field of battle will become leadership in society; and the rallying force of sport will long be a part of the lure which makes and keeps a Peruvian a Peruvian.”

Since the beginning, a Peru State education has extended beyond the classroom to include personal interaction with faculty members, athletic participation, student life activities and other co-curricular involvement.

This well-rounded approach to education is important for the development of students, but perhaps the greatest development a student-athlete experiences during that journey is that of personal character.

Peru State subscribes to the NAIA Champions of Character Program, which creates an environment in which every student-athlete, coach, official and spectator is committed to the true spirit of competition through respect, integrity, responsibility, servant leadership and sportsmanship. That means Bobcat athletes are scholars who contribute to the betterment of their college, community and their fellow students.

In 2013, Peru State was named a Five-Star Institution by the NAIA Champions of Character Program Scorecard, which measures each institution's commitment to character training, conduct in competition, character recognition, academic focus and character promotion.

Peru State was in the top third of all institutions in the NAIA, placing 63rd in the scorecard listing. The college was also the fourth-highest institution in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) and third among the NAIA schools in the State of Nebraska.

Peru State athletics is proud to have its baseball team named as a 2013-2014 Buffalo Funds Five-Star Champions of Character Team Award winner. Only one team from each of the NAIA's 188 member institutions and 23 championship sports is selected as a winner each academic year. Teams that receive this prestigious award demonstrate in everyday decisions integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. These institutions and athletic programs strive for excellence in and out of competition and are part of communities throughout the country dedicated to characterdriven intercollegiate athletics.

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STUDENT SUCCESSES MEGAN BROWN

Senior Special Education Syracuse

Megan Brown was selected as one of only 20 students by the Global Campaign for Education – U.S. Chapter (GCE-US) to participate in the organization’s 2013 Fall Youth Advocacy Training in Washington, D.C.

ALLIE BUESING

Junior Sport and Exercise Science & Business Administration Cozad

Allie Buesing was honored by the Campus Compact as a 2014 Newman Civic Fellow for her work with the Children’s Health, Activity & Nutrition Community Engagement (CHANCE) Initiative. The award honors 197 student leaders annually from across the country. Through service, research and advocacy, those selected have demonstrated a commitment to understanding the root cause of social issues and finding lasting solutions for challenges facing communities. Campus Compact is a national coalition of more than 1,100 college and university presidents—representing some 6 million students—who are committed to fulfilling the civic purposes of higher education to improve community life and to educate students for civic and social responsibility.

Allie was also selected to represent Nebraska as a National Child Awareness Month Youth Ambassador by Youth Serve

Quarterback Mitch Boshart was honored by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) with their prestigious 2013 A.O. Duer Award - a first for Peru State. The award is presented to only one outstanding male and one outstanding female NAIA student-athlete out of more than 30,000 across the nation who best exemplifies character, service, athletic ability and academic excellence.

He was also named to the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame’s 2014 Hampshire Honor Society.

MITCH BOSHART

Senior Social Science Education Wood River

Mitch won the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) Champion of Character Award in 2013, is a Board of Trustees Scholar, member of the college’s honors program, member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, co-captain of the Bobcat football team and a Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete award winner. The three-year letter winner has started on special teams for two years and is a Bobcat Football Elite Team Leader. He is a

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Megan was also recognized by the National Education Association at their 2013 Annual Student Program Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. as the organization’s outstanding local leader.

She was selected for the honor from more than 60,000 members from 1,100 college and university chapters. The NEA awarded Megan their Jeffrey “J.D.” Miller Outstanding Underclassman Award in 2012.

America and the Festival of Children Foundation, receiving funding and training to lead a large-scale service initiative in an effort to combat childhood obesity in Nebraska.

She was part of a three-person team who won a national championship at the Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, Calif., in 2014 in the Community Service category for their presentation The CHANCE Initiative. Allie is president of the Physical Education, Activity & Kinesiology Students (PEAKS) organization, historian for PBL, a residence life assistant, student Ambassador and AmeriCorps Service Scholar.

She has been accepted in the Public Health Early Admittance Student Track (PHEAST) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center where she will pursue a master’s degree in public health.

TeamMates mentor. In addition to participating in many community service events with his team and in the local community, Mitch has served as the Sports Information Department’s radio interviewer in conjunction with KBIE’s Bobcat Buzz pre-recorded half-time segments.

TYLER FORD

Rachel is president-elect of Peru State’s Phi Beta Lambda (PBL is a state and national business and leadership association) chapter and was part of a three-person team that won a national championship in the Community Service category at the organization’s 2013 National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, Calif., for their presentation of the CHANCE (Children’s Health, Activity & Nutrition Community Engagement) Initiative.

Senior Criminal Justice Administration Lincoln Offensive lineman Tyler Ford was named to the 2013 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) All-America Team, making him just the ninth Peru State football player since 1951 to receive NAIA, AFCA, or Kodak first team recognition. He has earned many other prestigious honors as part of the Bobcat football team, including being named to the Capital One Academic All-America College Division Football Team and the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) First Team Offense.

Tyler was also named to the 2013 Beyond Sports Network (BSN) All America Second Team, the USA Football Network’s 26th USA College Football Division II Preseason All-American Teams quad and is a 2014 Football Gameplan (FBGP) Preseason NAIA All-American.

RACHEL HENRY

Senior Sport and Exercise Science & Business Administration/Management Auburn Rachel Henry developed a partnership between Peru State, the Food Bank of Lincoln and Catholic Social Services of Southeast Nebraska that created a rural mobile food distribution center at Peru State for one of Nebraska’s most food insecure areas, Nemaha County.

Rachel started the initiative, called Feeding 44, when she applied for and was awarded a $500 Sodexo Foundation Youth Grant. Food distributions continue to take place on the second Friday of each month from Noon to 1 p.m. in the Al Wheeler Activity Center (AWAC).

AMANDA VOLKSEN

Senior Early Childhood Education & Elementary Education Fort Calhoun

Amanda Volksen was recognized by the National Education Association (NEA) with its Jeffrey “J.D.” Miller Outstanding Underclassman Award at the organization’s National

PHI BETA LAMBDA Six Peru State students won three national championships at the Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) National Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tenn., this summer and posted 19 top 10 finishes. PBL is a state and national business and leadership association. It’s the ninth national championship in four years earned by Peru State students.

The competition focuses on a wide range of business and leadership-related tests, including subjects ranging from financial analysis and economic concepts to human resource management and business ethics.

PBL advisor Dr. Sheri GrotrianRyan, associate professor of business, was honored at the event as National Conference Advisor of the Year, marking the

Rachel serves as Peru State’s student trustee on the Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees and is an AmeriCorps Service Scholar.

She is a member of Club Council, Rotaract, vice president of PBL, is active in the Physical Education, Activity & Kinesiology Students (PEAKS) organization, and works in the Peru State Office of Admissions.

She has participated in a number of research and program activities promoting wellness and educating the public on the current obesity epidemic.

Rachel has been accepted into UNMC’s Public Health Early Admissions Student Track (PHEAST) program, a cooperative program between the Nebraska State College System, UNMC’s College of Public Health and the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Student Leadership Conference in Atlanta in 2013. She was also named Outstanding Underclassman by the Student Education Association of Nebraska (SEAN).

Amanda is president of the Peru State Education Association, a member of Peru’s Individual Leaders of Today (PILOT); the Physical Education, Activity & Kinesiology Students (PEAKS); vice president of the Red Cross Club; chair of the annual Dr. Seuss Birthday Bash for PSEA; and organizer of Outreach to Teach at the Peru Day Care. She is a TeamMates Mentor, Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees Scholar and has been named to the Peru State Dean’s List. third time she has won the honor in eight years (2007, 2012 & 2014).

Gov. Dave Heineman and the Nebraska Department of Education also honored PBL this year for Student Excellence in Career Education with first place in the Community Service Project category.

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A TRUE BLUE FAMILY TRADITION: THE MERTENS FAMILY

When Pat Mertens, Class of 1985, completed a successful collegiate football career at Peru State he never imagined a future in which all three of his sons would don Bobcat blue.

PAT – 1982-1985 After graduating from Lincoln Southeast High School and playing for Chuck Mizerski, a former Bobcat, Pat enrolled at Peru State and joined the football team. He earned several athletic and academic awards during the years he played for the ‘Cats and in 1983 was named to the GTE All-Academic College Division First Team becoming the first Peru State player ever to earn the recognition. In 1985, after his senior season, Mertens was named the Lincoln Journal Star’s College Defensive Player of the Year.

Mertens is still listed in one career category as he is fourth in single-season interceptions with seven which he accomplished in 1984.

Pat Mertens #43

He and his wife, Cathy, live in Hastings where Pat is president of Centennial Plastics, Inc.

A.J. – 2003-05 A Hastings St. Cecilia High School graduate, A.J. played three seasons at Peru State as a defensive back and punter. He holds a single-season record from 2005 when he punted 78 times in 11 games.

A.J. married former Bobcat student-athlete Denise Witt of Falls City in 2009. They have a daughter, Whitney, who is four years old and are expecting their second child in September. A.J. and his family live in Lincoln where he is a regional accounts manager at Snyder Industries.

Pat and Cathy Mertens with their boys, Mike and AJ.

MIKE – 2004-2007 In terms of record books, running back Mike Mertens has family bragging rights as he holds the top spot in five Bobcat categories.

AJ and Susie Shupp, former Booster Club board member at the 2007 alumni game.

Pat Mertens with AJ at the 2007 alumni game.

Mike comes in second in career rushing with 2,648 yards and second in single-season rushing attempts with 248 carries in 2007. He posted 1,211 yards in 2007, which placed him fifth in a single season. Mike also had 11 touchdowns that season, tieing him for eighth place in the single-season categories. He is ninth in single-season rushing attempts with 198 in 2006.

Mike currently lives in Lincoln and works at Tenneco Inc. in Seward as a master scheduler.

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“There is not one memory that sticks out but overall memories of both playing at the Oak Bowl and watching the Bobcats play, especially during the years my three sons were playing. The two overriding feelings that I have toward the Oak Bowl is the connection to the fans and the setting.

Because the stands are so close to the field, as a player you could hear the fans and it was one of the loudest places to play. As a spectator you could hear the pads pop and hear the coaches yelling at the players.

Second, the setting of the Oak Bowl with the trees and hills make it the most unique place for football in the NAIA.” - Pat Mertens

“ I have several great memories of playing in the Oak Bowl. The feeling of putting on your pads and competing with your teammates, the sound of the great Bobcat fans (with the occasional “split the pot” being yelled out by Tim Smulling) and the opportunity to play with my brother, Mike, and against dad in an alumni game, are memories I will have forever.”

- AJ Mertens “I would say throwing a game-winning touchdown pass in double overtime to beat Haskell [is a great memory], other than that, playing with A.J. and home games at the Oak Bowl.”

- Mike Mertens

JAKE – 2007-10 The last of the three sons, Jake, can lay claim to being part of the Bobcat football team that experienced the most success.

Unfortunately, the two-time Daktronics-NAIA-Scholar-Athlete’s 2011 football season was cut short due to a season-ending injury. However, in playing only seven games, Mertens finished fifth on the Bobcat team with 57 total tackles- 24 of which were solo.

He posted seven tackles for losses totaling 22 yards, one and a half sacks for 12 yards and recovered one fumble.

“One of the things I remember For his efforts Jake earned Heart of America Athletic most is the fans. No matter home Conference honorable mention recognition.

Jake, like his father, was named a Bert Swenson Award winner following his senior year - the first time a father and son have shared the honor.

or away they always came out to support us. ” - Jake Mertens

Jake also lives in Lincoln where he works at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln as a strength and conditioning coach with the Husker men’s basketball team. He is also taking classes to become a registered dietician.

PAT AND CATHY In addition to their three boys, Pat and Cathy have a 15-year-old daughter, Ellie, who will begin her freshman year this fall at Hastings St. Cecilia.

The entire Mertens family takes a lot of pride in having never missed a game in which one of them played, including Pat’s parents who often made road trips into mini vacations. In total, Pat and Cathy saw 86 Bobcat football games from 2003-2010, likely a record for any Bobcat fan. Regardless of the distance the Mertens family always made the trip to cheer on the Bobcats.

While there have been several fathers and sons who have donned the Bobcat uniform, it’s believed the Mertens family has the largest contingent.

Who knows...perhaps the next decade or two will see the family tradition continue.

Pat and Susie Shupp at the 2007 alumni game.

The entire Mertens family at the 2007 alumni game.

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OUR SINCERE THANKS

The Peru State College Foundation gratefully acknowledges the following donors who have contributed to the Oak Bowl renovation through June 30, 2014. While additional funds are still needed to complete locker room renovations and create new coaching and training facilities, more money has been donated to the Oak Bowl than to any other single capital project on the Peru State campus. Donations are still needed and many recognition opportunities remain available for those wishing to make a new or additional contribution, including the special donor display located on the concourse recognizing those who have made contributions of $2,500 and more. Many thanks to all of our loyal Bobcat supporters!

Jacqueline Adcock James L. Agnew Van Allen Monty & Judy Allgood Todd & Brenda Anderson Ed Ankrom Larry Apel Stacy & Barb Applegate Ralph Aranza Lee Arellano Loren Argabright Phyllis Atchison Christopher & Alicia Aue Rolan Axt Lonnie & Darla Bane Jeffrey & Mary Barker Janet Barlow Julie Bauman TJ Beckert Leroy & Diana Behrends Vicki Beilke Linda Bell Marvin Bergsten Connie Biggers George Blocher Janet Blue Lonnie Bohling Leon & Renee Bose Thomas & Leta Bosworth Sharon Bowen Neal Bower Delbert & Jean Bowers Bob & Jody Bowman & Family David Bremer Wendy Brennan

Jason & Nancy Brewer Laurel Brewer Rosa Brooks Sid Brown Nancy Brown Lowell Brown Chris Buethe Joan Buhrmann Jody Bukacek Rhonda Burbach James Butts Casey’s General Stores, Inc. Charles & Mary Caverzagie Kevin Caverzagie Yvonne Chandler John & MaryAnn Chaney Carol Chappell Rhonda Chomos William Cita Amy (Goering) Clark Amy Sayer Clark John & Dolores Clark Terry & Anita Clark in honor of Jim Krajicek Eston Clarke Barbara Clayburn Fred & Marilyn Clements Larry & Norma Clinton Daniel & Carol Coffey Larry Cotton Ron Cotton Wade Coulter George Coupe Robert Craig John Creamer

Sara Crook Chan Crooker John Crotty Dennis Curtis Denise Daake Gene D’Allemand Jon Davis Janice Dawson Adam & Promise DeBilzan James & Paula Desbien Linda Dickeson Bryan & Heather Diekmann SaraBeth Donovan Kenneth & Leona Dostal Beunice Doty Don & Claudia Dougherty in honor of the Dougherty & Aldrich Families Neil & Anita Downing-Hueftle Dr. Todd Drew& Family Dorothy Duerfeldt Loren & Marilyn Dyke Barbara Easley Christopher Eastman Larry Eden Ray Ehlers Dorothy Elliott Bob & Wendy Engles Kathy Ensz Jean Everhart Vernal Faller Anna Falsken Seph Fauver FBL Financial Group Inc Paul & Arlene Fell John Fettig

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Gene Finke Diane Freet Kent Freiburghouse Russ Freitag Bret Fritch Ken & Donna Frohlich Lexi Fudge Cathy Fugleberg Joan Gabrielle Stephen Gaines Doris Galbraith Roger & Janice Gardner Kyley Gatz Michael & Stephanie Gerdes Fred Gfeller Richard & Martha Gibson Donald Gibson Lamarr Gibson Lois Giles Norma Gilmore Josephine Godown Glade Goings David & Linda Gomon Richard H. Good Ilene Good Mary Grimes Lee Haeberlein Mark & Kim Hahn Duane Haith James Hall Rena Hall William Hallock Mel Hamel Pat & Karen Hamm Jeffrey Hammer

Dee Hannaford Dan & Elaine Hanson Don Hardekopf Mike & Ceci (Evangelist) Harmon Harold W. & Lois D. Struve Foundation Rev. Patrick Harrison Carlos Harrison Margaret Harrold Ted Harshbarger Martin Haverty Janet Hawley C.W. (Butch) Haws Ralph Hays Jake Hedden Rodney Heim Bob & Carol Hemmingsen Larry & Marian Henderson Alvin Henrichs Bob & Carolyn Henry Russell Hicks Sara Hippe Jayne Hlavac Scott Hoefs Phyllis Hoffman Patricia Holmes Greta Holscher Karen Horky William Hosack Walter & Peggy Huff Lloyd & Mary Hunzeker Carol Isaac Max & Wilma Jackson Rick & Janel Janssen Danny Jeanneret Gerald Jeanneret Andy & Becca Jewell David Jones Ronald Jones Annie Jones-Rucker Jerry & Christina Joy Janet Joyce Toby & Leah Julian Kenneth Kamman Don & Nancy Kasbohm Ronald & Nancy Kelley Kathy Kelly Mary Kenady Barry Kennedy William Kerins Doug Kingery Janet Kirkendall Robert Kiser Milan Kloepfer Sharylin Knock Karen Koehler Andrew & Rachel Kohls David Koll JoAnn Krause

Vernon Krenzer Chuck & Elaine Krumme Paul & Loretta Kruse Shari Kucera Richard Kumpf Tedd Lamprecht David Lang Rodger Langemeier Melvin Larsen Craig & Chase Latscha Robert Leander Gene & Mary Leber Harriett Leech Harry Leth Steve & Shirley Lewis Michael & Cynthia Liewer Richard Linder Robert Lisec Guadalupe & Bobby Dean Livingston David Longfellow Jerry & Charlotte Lunsford Randy Luther Kenneth Majors Shirley Majors Daisy Malcom Maurice&Maedean Mathews Gary & Mary J. Mayfield Edith McCaw Ron & Mary Lu McCoy Norma McKercher Leonard McLain Lois McMullen Dorothy Meisinger Gary & Stephanie Mercer Pat & Cathy Mertens Ronald & Susan Meyer Roger Michaelis Adam & Denise Miller Chuck & Alice Mizerski Janice Moen Jack Moles Richard & Ramona Moore Maurice Moran Rosemary Morrill Marilyn Naggatz Nancy Nealon Terry & Marlene Neddenriep Debra Neely Ritchie Nelson Evelyn Neve Delwinn & Ginny Novell Nutritional Advances Tyler Nutsch Daryl & Jackie Obermeyer Sharon Ocker Ronald Oestmann Lynn & Pauline Osterholm Ronald & Lila Paap

Rose Parli Lisa Parriott Jerry Payne Susan Pease Jeffrey & Mary Pease Franklin Pedersen Joseph & Susan Perina William Peterson Robert & Judy Peterson Nelda Peterson Nick & Cheri Petrillo Nelle Pfister Charles & Vickie Pickering Margaret Piper Joseph Primm Kent & Becki Propst Marie Pupkes Michael & Sandy Ramirez Robert Raper Otto Rath Keith & Lucille Rawson Willard Redfern Jeff & Nancy Reed in honor of Jim Krajicek Don & Linda Reiman Korey Reiman Robert Reitz Dale Rexilius Kenneth & Jane (Kunkel) Rhodus Andrea Rice Alan & Martha Richard Robert Ridenour Lois Rieschick Elaine Roberts Dennis Robertson Ardith Rockeman Darlon Rohlff James & Joyce Rosenquist Jean & Dick Rottman Benjamin & Jamie Royal Ward & Melissa Ruge Lloyd & Betty Russo Robert & Beth Rut Russell Ruth Robert Ryan David Sackles William & Lucille Sapp Lee Sapp & Ilma Gottula John Sayer Helen Schacht Ralph Schawang Jeffrey & Audra (Williams) Schawang Elaine Schlange Steve Schneider & Lori Moseman Mary Lou Schriner Ronald Schulte Beverly Schwab Mary Scott

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Tom Sewell Robert Shively Chuck Shores Stephanie Shrader Joan Shurtliff Todd & Michelle Simpson Carolyn Sipes Leonard Skov Jeffrey Slagle Margaret Slayter Brad Smith Janice Smith Teresa Smith Tim & Sharon Smulling Family Christopher Stangl James Stanosheck Dave&Kim Stemper Jason & Ronda Stinson Michael & Danni Stoddard Gerald Stukenholtz Carl Stukenholtz Willa Stutheit Marlys Swenson-Waller Theresa Symancyk Dean Teten Dean & Eilene Thiesfeld Lindsey Toman John Trayer Ryan Twehous Tony & Mary Uhlir John & Marsha Vanderford Mildred Vanderford Lou Varley Bruce Vickrey Floyd Vrtiska in memory of Doris Vrtiska Don Walford Rod Wartman Raymond Waters Mark & Diana Watton Miriam Werner Alfred G. Wheeler, Jr. Rick Whitaker Carol Whitcomb Kathie White Fran Whited Donald Wiechec Corinne Wilkinson Lanny & Mary Williams Michaela Willis Doc Wininger Ron & Fran Witt Mary Wolfe Kenneth Wolford Karen Wolken Norma Wood Donald Wright

FOOTBALL BOOSTER CLUB 22 YEARS OF SUPPORT FOR THE BOBCATS

Watching hardworking Peru State studentathletes win a national championship was the inspiration behind the creation of the Peru State Football Booster Club. The year was 1990 and the Bobcat football team had just won the NAIA Division II National Championship. Don Dougherty, Peru State class of 1970 and a lifetime Bobcat football fan, worked in the security office for the University of Nebraska athletic department. Don saw firsthand the tremendous level of financial support that came to the University of Nebraska’s football team through its booster club. Recognizing the potential at Peru State with a national championship trophy now in the case, Don pursued the idea of a Bobcat Football Booster Club at Peru State for two years, creating bylaws, organizational documents and fundraising plans, and meeting with college administrators until the club was officially founded in 1992.

game somewhere in Texas. After the game they’d get back on the bus, get some boxes of pizza, and they’d drive back home 10 or 12 hours,” Dougherty said. “We needed to get them something nourishing after they’d played their hearts out on the field, as well as some equipment, proper clothing and additional support for travel to away games.”

The first year raised $1,500. “We thought we were in tall cotton,” recalled Dougherty.

Student-athletes were the original inspiration for the Football Booster Club. “The team would ride 10 or 12 hours on a bus, down to a

Since 1992, the Booster Club has contributed more than $600,000 to Bobcat football,

Since the beginning, the Football Booster Club has been operated by a volunteer board consisting of fans, alumni, former players, parents of current and former players, and representatives from the coaching staff and college. As the years passed, in addition to annual membership dues, new traditions were established to generate additional funds, including the Wild Game Feed, the Powerlifting Tournament, sportswear sales and the Split the Pot.

PERU STATE 150 Peru State College will celebrate its Sesquicentennial (150 years) in 2017. We are looking for any photos, stories or old articles that might help us tell the story.

Please send submissions to: www.peru.edu/perustate150 Class of 1910 in front of the present-day library, still under construction.

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providing support for many aspects of the program, including team clothing and equipment, repairs and maintenance of the football field and facilities, and scholarship support for student-athletes. In addition to monetary support, the Booster Club lends something to the football program that is so valuable to the team’s success and yet immeasurable: moral support - that elusive quality that contributes in mysterious ways to winning.

One thing has not changed since 1992. The inspiration of the many Booster Club volunteers today still centers on the dedicated student athletes who prowl the gridiron each fall wearing the Bobcat blue and white. Find more information on the Booster Club, including a membership form and current board member list, at pscbobcats.com.

It should be noted that the Football Booster Club has provided financial support to almost all of the other Bobcat athletic teams during its 22 years of existence.

THE PERU STATE FOUNDATION The Peru State College Foundation was organized in June 1955 and incorporated as a nonprofit organization for educational and charitable purposes in May 1962. It is a self-supporting and independently governed corporation established solely for the benefit of Peru State College and its students, faculty, staff and programs.

The mission of the Peru State College Foundation is to provide assistance and support for Peru State College, a four-year liberal arts institution established in 1867 as Nebraska's first public institution of higher education.

With more than 13,000 alumni and several million in net assets, the Foundation assists the College in achieving its mission of providing quality education, programs and services.

FOUNDATION BOARD The Foundation is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors distinguished by outstanding personal and professional accomplishments as well as significant financial support of the Foundation. Board Members are alumni and friends who provide invaluable guidance in fundraising, portfolio and financial management, strategic planning, and organization building. With cooperation from the National Alumni Association Board as well as countless alumni and friends, the Foundation Board of Directors is responsible for enabling the Foundation to strive to help meet the long-term needs of the College.

BOARD MEMBERS

SaraBeth Donovan ('85), Chair Mike Guilliatt ('67), Vice Chair Cindy ('82) & Tim ('84) Hoffman, Treasurers Larry ('71) & Sue Green, Secretaries Rodney Vandeberg Dennis Wittmann Al Urwin (‘82) Jim Desbien (‘73) Joyce Douglas

Vienna, VA Fremont, NE Lincoln, NE Miramar Beach, FL Falls City, NE Auburn, NE La Vista, NE Plainville, KS Lincoln, NE

Foundation Staff Members: Executive Director Todd Simpson, Senior Advancement Officer John Fettig, Alumni Relations Associate Brooke Ashford, Advancement Officer Rebecca Jewell, Office Manager Promise DeBilzan

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NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HISTORY Peru State College alumni have been a very important part of the school’s success since its founding over 140 years ago. In fact, Peru State is the outstanding institution it is today in no small part because of the commitment, loyalty and support shown by our alumni.

In 2002, the National Alumni Association (NAA) Board of Directors was formed to formally unite alumni and coordinate efforts for involvement. The mission of the National Alumni Association is to promote the unique legacy of Peru State College through lifelong involvement. The National Alumni Association does not require formal membership; you must simply have attended Peru State College if you wish to become active in the NAA.

ALUMNI SERVICES Get the latest news on upcoming events or update your home address, phone number and/or email address through our website: foundation.peru.edu/alumni, or visit us on Facebook at Peru State College National Alumni Association.

Feel free to share class notes, such as a new job, marriage, children, milestone anniversaries, etc., which are printed in the alumni newsletter, the Peru Stater, twice a year.

FIND A CLASSMATE Are you looking for a former classmate? While our privacy policy does not allow us to share contact information we can forward communications from you to your friends. Please tell us the name, maiden name if applicable, and graduation year or years attended of the person(s) you are seeking and we will forward your note with a cover letter, allowing your friend to contact you directly. Phone (402) 872-2304 or email us at pscfoundation@peru.edu.

NAA BOARD MEMBERS Paul ('67) and Arlene (Borcher, '67) Fell, Co-Presidents - Lincoln, NE Carlos Harrison ('51), Vice President - Shenandoah, IA Ed Ankrom ('91), Secretary - Beatrice, NE Kim ('90) and Kris (Kubert, '94) Vrtiska, Co-Treasurers - Falls City, NE Elton ('88) and Connie (Sims, '87) Edmond - Lincoln, NE Dan ('76) and Cheryl Cotton - Peru, NE Nick ('87) and Laurel (Smith, '87) Harling - Falls City, NE Chuck ('69) and Alice (Massoth, '69) Mizerski - Lincoln, NE Fritz ('74) and Char (Lutz, '74) Stehlik - Omaha, NE Angelia Rohwer Steiner ('90) - Sabetha, KS Al Urwin ('82) - La Vista, NE

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