Bobcat volleyball player Claire Cudney (Marysville, Kan.) and football player John Brady (Hickman) were named Tuesday by Peru State athletic director Wayne Albury as the September Bobcat Athletes of the Month. Cudney and Brady were selected by the athletic director as they both earned Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) honors for their efforts in the month of September.
After starting the season as one of the Bobcats’ outside hitters, Cudney was playing in six rotations on the court. As her defensive skills improved, the Peru State volleyball coaches moved her into the libero position in the fifth week of the season. In her first full week as the libero, Cudney proved that the coaches were right as she was recognized as the Heart’s Defender of the Week for play during the week of Sept. 17.
During the week, Cudney had 86 digs in 13 sets averaging 6.62 digs per set. In the win over Graceland (Iowa), she finished with a game-high 29 digs. Then, against Benedictine (Kan.), Cudney had 25 digs and followed up with a game- and career-high 32 digs against Baker (Kan.). In addition, Cudney’s service reception rate was nearly 90% as she made 78 of 87 passes for 89.7%.
Albury stated, “Both Claire’s and John’s efforts during the last couple of weeks have helped lead their respective teams to several victories. Therefore, they are good choices as the September Athletes of the Month.”
