A History of Peru State College Football
Peru State College, Nebraska's first college, boasts a rich football history dating back to the early 1900s. From disputed championships to a unique home field, and the achievements of players and coaches inducted into the Hall of Fame, the Bobcats have a compelling story to tell.
Early Years and the Oak Bowl
In the early 20th century, football at Peru State Normal (now Peru State College) began to take shape. Archival evidence, including real photo postcards (RPPCs) from 1908, 1909, and 1910, provides valuable insight into the teams and their environment.
The Oak Bowl, the team's home field, opened in 1901 and was nestled in a natural amphitheater on campus. Initially, the field's dimensions were constrained, leading to a shortened playing field with only one set of goal posts. The rules under which they played at that time are unknown. By 1910, stands were added to the Oak Bowl, providing comfortable seating for fans. The Oak Bowl remains the home field for the Bobcats today.
Coaching Changes and Championship Claims
The coaching landscape at Peru State during this era was dynamic. In 1907 and 1908, Lewis Scherer, a former right guard on the University of Chicago's 1905 national championship team, led the Bobcats. Scherer was an early proponent of the forward pass, even before it was fully legalized.
Scherer's 1907 team laid claim to a share of the state football championship (excluding the University of Nebraska, to whom they lost 53-0). However, the championship was disputed due to a disagreement over the eligibility of a Bellevue player. This disagreement led to the cancellation of a crucial game, leaving both schools to claim the title. In 1908, the team again claimed part of a four-way championship, despite winning only one game against a conference opponent. They felt better about their season, though, after losing to the Cornhuskers by a smaller margin of 25-0, compared to the previous year's 53-0 defeat.
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Following Scherer's departure, E.M. Burnett, a former player at Nebraska, took over as coach in early October 1909, just days before the first game. After a rocky start, Burnett led the team to a successful season, winning four games. The coach in 1910 was Alpha Brummage, who captained Kansas' 1903 team before having successful stints coaching Ottawa (KS) and William Jewell. After losing to Nebraska 66-0 in the opener, the team went 2-1-2 against small college competition. Unfortunately, Coach Brummage left after his first year to take over at VMI and, later, Kentucky.
Team Composition and Notable Players
Photographic records and yearbooks from the early 1900s provide glimpses into the physical characteristics of the Peru State football players. In 1908, the team averaged around 155 pounds, with the center, Swenson, being significantly larger than his teammates. Captain Renfro, weighing in at 146 pounds, is seen holding the ball in team pictures.
Hall of Fame Recognition
Peru State College recognizes outstanding athletes, coaches, and contributors to the athletic program through its Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame committee, comprised of alumni and friends, selects individuals and teams for induction based on their achievements and service.
Recent Hall of Fame inductees include:
- Mike Harmon (Class of 1966): The career rebounding leader in Bobcat basketball history and an NAIA honorable mention All-American.
- Cindy Plantenga Hoffman (Class of 1982): The first female athletic trainer at Peru State.
- Ron Shaneyfelt (Class of 1992): An award-winning kicker who holds numerous Bobcat kicking records and was a three-time First Team All-American.
- Mark Williams: Considered one of the most dangerous dual-threat baseball players in PSC history, earning postseason recognition each of his four years.
The 1967-71 men's cross country teams, coached by Hall of Famers Dr. James Pilkington and Jack McIntire, were also inducted. These teams were a powerhouse program, consistently competing in national championships and winning district titles.
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The 1989 football team, which qualified for the NAIA national playoffs for the first time in program history, has also been inducted into the Hall of Fame. This team set the stage for Peru State's national championship victory the following season.
The Peru State College Foundation
The Peru State College Foundation plays a vital role in supporting the college's mission. The Foundation's goal is to provide support and assistance for Peru State College to help it achieve its goal of providing quality education, programs, and services.
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