BOBCAT PRIDE NEWSLETTER

Transcription

1 BOBCAT PRIDE NEWSLETTER PERU STATE COLLEGE DECEMBER 2018

2 2018 VOLLEYBALL Season Wrap-Up The Peru State College volleyball team, under the direction of head coach Laurie Schroeder in her second season, did not meet their preseason goals. The Bobcats finished overall and 8-10 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart). The Bobcat volleyball team did make it to the Heart postseason conference tournament where they faced Benedictine (Kan.); a team they previously fell to in regular conference play in five sets. Peru State lost in the opening round to end their season after entering the tournament as the third seed from the Heart North Division. At the end of the regular season, Peru State was listed in just one NAIA Top 50 Team Rankings. The Cats were 42nd in total blocks with Peru State will have seven Daktronics-NAIA Scholar- Athletes named for the 2018 season when it announced by the national office. Those players who received the honors included: Cudney, Janjevic, Jaspe, Mallory Matthies (Omaha), Darlene Quinonez Holguin (Las Cruces, N.M.), Hannah Sexton (Beatrice), and Kira Shapiro (Omaha). The Bobcats will say goodbye to five seniors including Janjevic, Jaspe, Shapiro, Taylor Thompson (Norfolk), and Cami Ruiz (Bogota, Columbia). There are 13 potential returners who will join Coach Schroeder s recruits in the fall of 2019.

3 2018 FOOTBALL Season Wrap-Up The 2018 season for the Peru State football team did not go quite as expected. Especially coming off a 7-4 mark in the 2017 season and with a number of returners coming back for the 2018 campaign. The Bobcats finished with a 3-8 overall mark and finished just 1-4 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) North Division. Peru State s 11-game schedule included a tough tengame Heart schedule and one non-conference game and was once again one of the toughest schedules nationally. The Heart ended the regular season with four teams listed in the Top 25 poll, actually with all four in the Top 15. Three of the teams were selected to play in the NAIA Football Championship Series with #7 Benedictine (Kan.) playing in the national semifinals at the time of this release. Also ranked and making the playoffs were #10 Grand View (Iowa) and #12 Baker (Kan.). Baker won its first round playoff game while Grand View lost. Missing out of the national playoffs was #14 Evangel (Mo.). To end the season individually, Boshart led the team in rushing with 606 yards, averaging 60.6 yards a game. In addition, Boshart was the team s leading passer as he threw for 61.8 yards per game while completing 46.8% of his passes. Audsley led the team with 15 receptions. Defensively, Taylor led the team with 95 total tackles while Bowers had six sacks to top the Bobcats in that category. Only three Bobcats are presently listed in individual NAIA Top 50 rankings. Bowers is presently third in fumbles forced per game averaging per game and is 42nd in total sacks with six. Taylor is 25th in total tackles (all positions) per game averaging Audsley is 48th in both total scoring (TDs) with 60 points and total scoring. Five Bobcats will be named as Daktronics-NAIA Scholar- Athletes when it is announced later in December. Among those receiving this award will be seniors Audsley and Boshart. This will be Boshart s second time earning the recognition. Juniors being recognized will be Noah Kasbohm (Nebraska City), Justin Pool (Circleville, Kan.), and Tylor Watts (Ridgecrest, Calif.). The Bobcats appear to lose 14 off the 2018 squad who are either graduating or have used their eligibility. With several returners at key positions and a host of recruits soon to be joining the program, Peru State will look to improve and have a better outcome in the 2019 season.

4 Fall Awards Dan Boshart Stephen Bowers Colton Audsley Nadja Janjevic Football Peru State quarterback Dan Boshart (Wood River) is a Brazil), and junior linebacker Jordan Willis (Denver) all received honorable mention recognition. semifinalist for the 2018 William V. Campbell Trophy as announced by the National Football Foundation (NFF) and College of Fame Boshart is one of 179 college football players across the country from all levels of the NCAA and NAIA football to earn the status as a semifinalist. Only eight from the NAIA were named as semifinalists, including Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) player Blake Fanning from Benedictine (Kan.). Senior defensive lineman Stephen Bowers (La Vista) was the lone Bobcat selected to the Heart of America Athletic Conference (North) Division First Team. Seniors Colton Audsley (Prescott Valley, Ariz.) and Quentin King (Omaha), along with junior Victor Hubbard (Corinth, Texas) and freshman Zachary Taylor (Gillette, Wyo.) each earned second team honors. Audsley was named as a second team running back, kick returner, and as an athlete. King was a member of the second team offensive line. Hubbard was named as a second team defensive back while Taylor was named as a second team linebacker. In addition, Taylor was named as the conference s freshman of the year. Senior quarterback Dan Boshart (Wood River), junior defensive lineman Luis Constantino (Varzea Grande, The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced Thursday that over 392 football student-athletes have been named 2018 Daktronics- NAIA Scholar-Athletes. Five Peru State Bobcat football players were among those recognized. Gaining his second Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete honor was senior Dan Boshart (Wood River). Boshart is a social science education major. Earning the recognition for the first time was senior Colton Audsley (Prescott Valley, Ariz.), and juniors Noah Kasbohm (Nebraska City), Justin Pool (Circleville, Kan.), and Tylor Watts (Ridgecrest, Calif.). Volleyball While she did not earn national honors in the NAIA, Peru State volleyball player Claire Cudney (Marysville, Kan.) was recognized by PrepVolleyball.com for her efforts two weeks ago. Cudney, a libero, set the NAIA s top mark for the season with 51 digs in the Bobcats five-set upset win over Mount Mercy on Oct. 12. She did earn the Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) Player of the Week. Three Peru State volleyball players were recognized Tuesday for having earned Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) All-Conference honors.

5 Fall Awards Continued... Kira Shapiro Destiny Worthey Hailey Bouwens Swaranga Fernando Volleyball - Continued Those earning the recognition were Nadja Janjevic (Podgorica, Montenegro), Yorgelys Jaspe (San Carlos, Venezuela), and Claire Cudney (Marysville, Mo.). Janjevic was named to the Heart Second Team for the second straight year while Jaspe was named to the Third Team. Cudney earned Honorable Mention recognition. The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced Friday that 597 volleyball student-athletes have been named 2018 Daktronics- NAIA Scholar Athletes. Seven Peru State volleyball players were named to the list. Seniors Nadja Janjevic (Podgorica, Montenegro) and Kira Shapiro (Omaha) were honored for the secondstraight year. The others earning the recognition were senior Yorgelys Jaspe (San Carlos, Venezuela) and juniors Hannah Sexton (Beatrice), Darlene Quinonez Holguin (Las Cruces, N.M.), Mallory Matthies (Omaha), and Claire Cudney (Marysville, Mo.). In order to be nominated by an institution s head coach or sports information director, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and must have achieved a junior academic status to qualify for this honor. Cross Country The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced Thursday that 347 women s cross country student-athletes have been named 2018 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar Athletes. Peru State seniors Destiny Worthey (Humboldt), Hailey Bouwens (Lincoln), Sydney Stevelinck (Lyons, Colo.), and junior Julia Zurek (Louisville) were among the 347 honorees. Women s Basketball Following her performance in the two games Peru State played in the Cattle Classic this past week, senior forward Swaranga Fernando (Colombo, Sri Lanka) was named to the All-Tournament Team. The Classic, hosted by Concordia in Seward, Neb., Friday and Saturday featured Doane, St. Francis (Ind.), Peru State, and the hosts. Fernando scored five points in the opener against the Bulldogs while pulling down seven rebounds. In addition, she dished off one assist. In the loss to Doane, Fernando had a much better performance as she had 14 points which included going six of eight from the free throw line and grabbed six rebounds. She also dished out one assist in the contest.

6 2018 Cross Country Season Wrap-Up The 2018 Peru State cross country season was a work in progress all fall. Fifth-year head coach Katy Billings was proud with how her runners improved throughout the course of the season. For Billings, the team of 14 which included one redshirt, was the largest contingent to date for a Bobcat cross country squad. The team competed in Maryville, Mo., in late August in the Bearcat Invite for their first meet. A few weeks later, the Bobcats were eager to improve as they traveled to Hastings for the Bronco Stampede. For her effort in the Bronco Stampede, Julia Zurek (Louisville) was named as the Heart of America Athletic Conference s Runner of the Week. Later in September, the team competed in their largest meet to that point when they participated in the Dean White Invitational hosted by Doane College in Crete. There were 154 total runners with another 30 who started, but did not finish the race. Coach Billings changed up the schedule a little in 2018 as the team competed in the Wayne State Invite on the last Saturday in September. The annual NAIA MidStates Classic was hosted by Southwestern College in Winfield, Kan., and was another large meet in which teams compete before their conference championships. The Heart Championships were held at the Bellevue Country Club in Atchison, Kansas, and hosted by Benedictine on Nov. 3. The course proved to be one of the toughest of the year and the individual s times showed it was difficult. Academically, four of the runners were named as Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes. Earning the honors were Destiny Worthy (Humboldt) for the second time, and Sydney Stevelinck (Lyons, Colo.), Hailey Bouwens (Lincoln), and Zurek. To be eligible to earn this recognition, student-athletes have to have a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale and be at least a junior. Coach Billings was very pleased with the team s efforts throughout the season. Billings understands they may not have been the fastest group but appreciates the hard work that each of these girls put in all season long. Also, Coach Billings is very optimistic with quite a few girls returning to the program for next season. The future for the cross country team seems bright with all of the improvement the program saw from start to finish this year. In addition, Billings is heavily recruiting for the 2019 season.

7 WOMEN S BASKETBALL Season Preview/Update Entering her second season in her second stint as the Bobcats women s coach, head coach Joan Albury is looking forward to a fresh start. Last year was a season full of challenges and struggles for the women s basketball program. Starting the season with ten players, the team quickly saw themselves playing early conference games with just five suited up. The program was able to get a few cross country and volleyball athletes to join the team and help them out down the stretch. The season ended on a 22-game losing streak with the overall record being The Bobcats did not win a Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) game as they finished 0-19 in conference action. After an off-season which was focused heavily on recruiting, now 16 girls on the current roster, the future is bright for the program. With six returners and ten newcomers, the team has been working to fit in well with each other in the pre-season. Season Start Peru State started the season with a pair of losses in the Cattle Classic hosted by Concordia in Seward, Neb. They then dropped a one-point contest at Bellevue before breaking a 25-game losing streak by beating York in the Al Wheeler Activity Center. This was also the most points scored by a Bobcat team in over two years. The Bobcats dropped their first Heart contest Saturday to #11 Central Methodist (Mo.) to fall to 1-4 on the season. Synopsis The key to success for this season was already in progress to end last year and that was to build a solid foundation for the program. The team looks to exceed expectations with more depth heading into this season and play a more up-tempo pace. In addition to the added depth, the Bobcats will need production from their bench to play at a high level. Their goal has been to come to practice with intensity and compete each and every day. If the competitive practices can translate into games this winter, the team should exceed those expectations they have set for themselves. Schedule The schedule is always tough since the team participates in one of the toughest conferences in NAIA Division I. For the full schedule go to: goo.gl/mszfty

8 COMING UP... Annual Golf Classic It is time to start thinking about registering for the upcoming Peru State Bobcat Golf Classic, which will be held Friday, May 24, The annual tournament will be held at the Table Creek Golf Course just west of Nebraska City. The schedule for the day includes registration beginning at 10:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at noon. Lunch will be provided and a dinner will follow at approximately 5 p.m. The cost, which includes green fees, cart, and the meal are $400 per team of four or $100 per individual. If individuals want to come for the dinner only, the cost is $20. This is a fun tournament where those interested in Bobcat athletics can come, socialize, and meet with coaches and current student-athletes. You can connect with your fellow alumni and friends and compete for hole and flight prizes. Alumni Association Annual Chili Feed All alumni and friends are invited to the Al Wheeler Activity Center on February 2, 2019, to watch the Bobcats take on the Evangel Crusaders. Women s game starts at 2 p.m. and men s starting approximately 4 p.m. Chili will be served starting at 2:30 p.m. Free will donation will be accepted. The day will be full of activities in addition to the Chili Feed. The Fantastic Flyers of Gary s Tumbling will perform during half time of each game. Between the games we will recognize our seniors from the women s basketball team and the men s basketball team. In addition, between games the athletic department will recognize the fall student-athletes who received different honors. Come out and support our Foundation and the Bobcats. For more information about the contest, please contact Brenda Lutz by at blutz@peru.edu or contact the athletic office at

9 Players of the Week John Brady John Brady - Heart Special Teams Player of the Week (10/1/18) In Peru State s win over MidAmerica Nazarene in Olathe, Kan., on Saturday, Brady handled all of the kicking duties for the Bobcats. He made all three of his point after attempts and connected on a 23-yard field goal try. Perhaps more important was Brady s punting. While he average 36.8 yards per punt in six tries, he had two of his punts which pinned the Pioneers on their four-yard line. Both times this happened, Peru State would score eventually score off of good defensive and/or special teams play. In addition, Brady had five kickoffs for 264 yards which included one touchback. Claire Cudney Claire Cudney - Heart Defender of the Week (10/15/18) For the second time this season, sophomore Claire Cudney (Marysville, Kan.) was named the Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) Defender of the Week. Heart conference officials announced the honor Monday morning for matches played during the week of Oct. 8. The biggest highlight of Cudney s week was her 51 digs in the Bobcats five-set upset over Mount Mercy Friday night. The 51 digs is the best in the NAIA this season having topped the previous best of 50 set August 29 by a McPherson (Kan.) player. Additionally, in the match against the Mustangs, Cudney was perfect in her service reception on 32 tries. For the week which saw the Cats go 1-2, Cudney had 87 total digs while averaging 7.91 digs per set. She also added two service aces and had a serving percentage of 95.1% - just missing two serves out of 41 attempts. Cudney had a 97.8% service reception percentage while having two errors in 89 tries. Cudney has moved into eighth in the Heart in total digs with 428 and is ninth in the conference in digs per set at 4.7.

10 Players of the Week Continued... Yorgelys Jaspe Yorgelys Jaspe - Heart Attacker of the Week (10/29/18) Against Culver-Stockton, Jaspe had 12 kills and three digs and came up even bigger against William Penn. Against the Statesmen, Jaspe put down 20 kills, added 13 digs, and had two solo blocks. For the week, she averaged 3.56 kills per set while hitting.253. VOLLEYBALL June 3: Passing Skills June 4: Setting & Attacking Skills June 5: High School Skills SUMMER CAMPS WOMEN S BASKETBALL June 10-13: Women s Basketball Camp Nadja Janjevic Nadja Janjevic - Heart Defender of the Week (10/29/18) Janjevic contributed offensively for the Bobcats in both wins, but it was her defense at the net which earned her the honors. Against Culver-Stockton, Janjevic had seven solo blocks and four block assists and added one dig. In the win over William Penn, she added four more solo blocks and two block assists while contributing six digs. Offensively in the two matches, Janjevic averaged two kills per set while having a good hitting percentage. In the NAIA individual statistical rankings, Janjevic is eighth overall with 127 total blocks. After the weekend, she had moved into fifth place in Peru State s all-time career blocks list. FOOTBALL June 12: High School Skills Camp June 13: High School Offensive Line & Defensive Line Camp June 14: Youth Skills Camp July 11-12: 11-Man Team Camp July 15-16: 8-Man Team Camp For full details visit

11 MEN S BASKETBALL Season Preview/Update After losing four starters off of a national tournament team, you would expect the team to be in somewhat of a rebuilding mode. However, in head coach Bob Ludwig s second season at the helm of the Peru State men s basketball program, the expectations do not change. Coach Ludwig feels that even in a 22-win season, there were plenty of things they can build off of and improve heading into the new campaign. One emphasis the team will focus on is becoming more defensive-minded and control the tempo. The Bobcats want to push the ball in transition offensively and rely on great ball movement to make better use of their possessions. With almost a completely new roster, the team will have more of a balanced scoring production. Overall, the Cats finished with a mark and were 12-7 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart). In the NAIA Division I National Tournament last March, Peru State earned the final spot into the tourney. They proved the prognosticators wrong as the upset the number one seed, The Master s of California, in the first round before falling in the second round. Season Start The season has already started for the team. The Bobcats won both of their games in the Heart/Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) that they hosted to start the season. Peru State topped the University of St. Mary (Kan.) in the opener and then toppled Ottawa (Kan.) In another non-conference match-up, the Cats topped Valley City State (N.D.) In their first Heart competition on Nov. 17, Peru State came from behind to top the visiting 11th-ranked Central Methodist (Mo.) Eagles The Bobcats are now 4-0 for just the second time to start a season in 15 years. In addition, they are 1-0 in the Heart. Schedule Competing in the Heart is always a tough challenge and this year will be no different. Three of the conference schools were ranked in the NAIA DI Men s Basketball Coaches Top 25 Preseason Poll which was released in late October. For the full schedule go to: goo.gl/4f49qh

12 Nebraska s Toughest Mile Coach Billings and her team provided awards to the following age group winners (Hometowns are provided where available) Ages 0-17 Female Winner Hannah Ray (Lincoln) 6:48 Male Winner Triston Perry (Peru) 6:41 Ages Female Winner Emily Fellin (Peru) 9:41 Male Winner Noah Temme (Fairmont) 6:22 Ages Female Winner Tara Erickson (Auburn) 9:57 Male Winner James Cole (Lincoln) 7:13 Ages Female Winner Gina Simrell (Nebraska City) 10:38 Male Winner Ryan Roth (Nebraska City) 7:19 On a cold Homecoming morning, a record number There was a repeat winner in this year s edition of Peru State s Nebraska s Toughest Mile. Noah Temme, a junior Peru State student from Fairmont, claimed the title for the second year in a row after finishing second two years ago. Temme cut 23 seconds off his 2017 time to take the title by 19 seconds. There were over 60 runners who completed the race. Hannah Ray took the women s top spot with a time of 6:48.2. Ray is from Lincoln. Ages 50 and up Female Winner Julie North (Auburn) 12:55 Male Winner Dave Pease (Peru) 9:13 In addition, Billings added that she wanted to extend thanks to the City of Peru, Peru City Hall, Peru State College and its Campus Services, Brenda Lutz, athletic director Wayne Albury, and all of the participants and other contributors. A special thanks for Subway in Rock Port for donating cookies. For more information on the race, plus the complete results, and future dates, please go to the following link: The race, coordinated by the Peru State Bobcat women s cross country team and Coach Katy Billings, saw the individuals navigate the three tough hills in the city of Peru. The run began at the north end of downtown Peru and finished on the College s campus. The toughest part of the course is considered to be running up the infamous Gutbuster Hill which is just north of campus.

13 2019 SOFTBALL Lyon College at 9 a.m. and then Lindenwood University- Belleville at 1 p.m. March 12 will be the Heart opener when the Cats take on Baker in Baldwin City, Kan. On St. Patrick s Day, the Bobcats are scheduled to host their first home double header when Hastings is the opponent. Peru State s first home Heart match-up is scheduled for Thursday, March 21, when the Mustangs of Mount Mercy (Iowa) visits the Centennial Complex. The 50+-game regular season will end on Friday, April 26, when the Bobcats hosts Benedictine (Kan.). The following week, Peru State will be looking to participate in the Heart Conference Championships. The Peru State Bobcat softball team will look to better its record from the 2018 season under the direction of second-year coach J.L. Thomason. Thomason was named interim coach following the passing on Christmas Eve 2017 of long-time head coach Mark Mathews. In May, Thomason had the interim tag removed and was named as the head coach. Last year, the Cats went overall while going 9-26 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart). The Bobcats finished sixth in the Heart North. Peru State finished with a record at home and struggled on the road as they finished 4-20 while away. Peru State lost three senior starters off of the 2018 team infielder Sandy Garcia, pitcher Megan Hartman, and all-conference honoree as a junior Rachel Carlos. Nine returners, along with 15 recruits which are a blend of freshmen and transfers, worked hard during the fall session to improve on skills and strength. The 24 players will look to better their season and conference marks in The 2019 season will begin on Friday, Feb. 15, when the Bobcats will be playing a double-header in Batesville, Ark. The Cats will be facing the home team

14 2019 BASEBALL Peru State baseball coach Wayne Albury will enter his eighth season with a record in his first seven seasons at the helm of the Peru State program. Albury claimed his 700th win off his coaching career when the Bobcats topped Waldorf (Iowa) on February 17. Last year, the Cats went overall and were in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) which was good enough for third in the North Division behind Clarke (Iowa) and Grand View (Iowa). The Bobcats did go 2-2 in the Heart Conference Championships which was better than what they had done the previous year. Peru State was 12-6 at home, on the road, and finished 4-3 at a neutral site. It should be noted that the 2018 season was a challenging one in terms of dealing with Mother Nature as there were over 25 date changes. The 2019 edition of the Bobcats will feature just one returning all-conference performer. Heading the list will be senior right-handed pitcher Eddy Tavarez Cabrera who was first team All-Heart. Other key returners will be previous all-conference lefthanded senior hurler Alberto Rosario and senior Darren Hasch an all-tournament team selection as an infielder. In addition, Peru State will return other starters from either last season or the previous catcher Edwin Muniz, outfielder Jaime Del Hoyo, outfielder Chaz Dunn, infielder Josh Banuelos, pitcher Ben Carr, and infielder Zach Nolin. Peru State hopes to open its season Feb. 2 when they travel to Kansas City, Mo., to face former Heart opponent Avila in a double header. The Bobcats will first be in Heart action one month later when they host Graceland on March 2 and 3. Two Heart teams are ranked in the 2019 NAIA Baseball Coaches Preseason Top 25 Poll. Central Methodist (Mo.) is ranked 21st while Clarke is receiving votes. The Bobcats are scheduled to play over 50 games which will culminate in the post-season conference championship which again will be played in Ozark, Mo.

15 Adding Four JV Programs The Peru State athletic department will be providing more opportunities for student-athletes to showcase their talents as they will be adding four junior varsity athletic programs starting in the fall of Recruitment will begin immediately. Peru State president Dr. Dan Hanson and Bobcat athletic director Wayne Albury, who also is the head baseball coach, announced that the College will be adding men s and women s basketball, baseball, and softball junior varsity programs. The College has engaged in a strategic enrollment management (SEM) process for the past 18 months and determined the addition of junior varsity athletic programs would be among the best use of resources to bolster enrollment. Hanson said, Peru State College s mission includes providing access to higher education -and all it means to provide a personal and engaging education. Continuing, Hanson added, As a former college coach and athlete, I know athletics can be an important part of the college learning experience. Adding junior varsity athletics at Peru State gives more students this experience across Nebraska and the region. Head women s basketball coach Joan Albury commented, We are excited to have the opportunity to develop the basketball skills of young players in our system for a year or two in a junior varsity setting. It will be exciting to see the impact that this could potentially have on our varsity program and will allow our older players to mentor the younger ladies both on and off the court. In addition to the four programs adding junior varsity programs, the College has football, women s cross country, women s golf, and volleyball. All of the programs compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). In addition, while announcing the addition of the four junior varsity programs, the College will be moving its cheerleading program to varsity/competitive status next fall as well. AD Albury noted much research went into the SEM process. He stated, This decision was not made without a thorough review of the College s current resources and the ability to adequately fund these additional programs. Albury continued, We are confident that the addition of these junior varsity programs will also enhance our current varsity teams. We are really excited about both adding to our roster as well as giving incoming freshmen more opportunities to compete and develop, noted head men s basketball coach Bob Ludwig. I believe it will have a positive impact on our program and campus. The NAIA does provide some guidelines for its member institutions which offer junior varsity programs. It does allow student-athletes to compete at both the junior varsity and varsity levels as long as they comply with scheduling limitations. Bobcat head softball coach J.L. Thomason stated, The potential to add additional student-athletes who could assist our program is a plus by adding a junior varsity program. Peru State competes in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) which has member schools in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska. In addition to playing Heart schools, the athletic department will also look to play other NAIA schools in Nebraska, as well as, playing area junior college athletic teams. Potential students interested in athletics at Peru State are encouraged to visit speak with an admissions representative or coach. To express an interest, potential athletes can complete the College s inquiry form at inquiryform

16 Cheer to Become Competitive There was a lot of cheering going on the Wednesday morning before Thanksgiving and it was not just because of the upcoming break. The official word was released by Peru State president Dan Hanson and Bobcat athletic director Wayne Albury that beginning in the fall of 2019, the Bobcat cheerleading program would become a competitive sport at the College. Hanson said, Peru State continues to take great pride in its cheer team and their coaches. They have been wonderful ambassadors for the College. We have the highest expectations as these student-athlete begin to represent the College as a varsity team in competition. Peru State cheer coach Brooke Earnest, a former Bobcat cheerleader herself, was pleased to learn of the news. Earnest stated, On behalf of our athletes and coaching staff, we are absolutely thrilled that Cheer has been declared a varsity sport at Peru State College. Continuing, Earnest added, For the past several years, we have been working on preparing ourselves for this day by recruiting, practicing, attending NCA camps, and even spending many hours in the weight room. We are ready to put in the extra work that it will take to be fully prepared to represent Peru State on the competition mat next winter. The Bobcats will compete next year in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) which holds a championship in February. The top team advances to the NAIA Championship generally held in March. Heart school Missouri Valley won the competitive cheer championship last year. The NAIA is in its third year of hosting cheer and dance as national championships. Presently, there are 73 schools competing in the NAIA competitive cheer. Peru State will become the eighth school in the Heart to sponsor a varsity team. to work with the best of the best and they have made a great impact on the program. I take a lot of pride in knowing that I ve contributed to the program and can t wait to see them succeed next year! Junior Molly Brown (Falls City) will have an opportunity to be a part of Peru State s first competitive team. Brown commented, I am so excited and grateful to be a part of this amazing team! Competing is one of the best feelings when it comes to cheer and being able to do it with all these amazing people makes it even better. Also a huge thank you to our coach, Dr. Hanson, and AD Albury for pushing to get cheer as a sport! Presently, there are 23 members of the cheerleading team. Earnest noted while that is a similar size to other Heart and/or NAIA schools, the number of members could be higher. AD Albury added, Coach Earnest and her volunteer assistants have really assembled a tremendous group of student-athletes who have been working hard to get better and better each year. In addition, this team is noted for its commitment to community service throughout the entire year. For more information, potential cheer team members can contact Earnest at bearnest@peru.edu or To follow Peru State cheer, you can go to Instagram: perustatecollegecheer, Facebook: Peru State College Cheerleading, or Twitter: PSCCheer. Outgoing senior cheerleader Dayana Camacho (Schuyler) was happy to learn about the College s decision. Camacho noted, The last four years of cheering at Peru has been such a blessing. From Brooke s first year of coaching, I knew making cheer a competitive sport was going to be a goal. I ve been able

17 PERU STATE COLLEGE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT 600 HOYT STREET PERU, NE (P) (F)