Hall of Fame
One of the first prominent Peru State College basketball teams, and most successful in terms of playoff fortunes, was the 1938-39 squad. Their 19-6 record represented the best win total in the 35-year history of the sport and marked a favorable debut in Coach Al Wheeler’s Career. The Bobcats, blessed with size and exceptional speed, overcame an early 1-2 conference deficit to capture their third consecutive N.I.A.A title. They went on to make second straight National Tourney appearance, where the Wheelermen achieved the school’s highest finish ever in the annual basketball classic (4th place) and pulled off a shocking upset of defending champion Central Missouri State Teachers College in the quarterfinal round. The ’38-’39 Basketball squad becomes the second Hall of Fame entry under the “team” category, based on their outstanding accomplishments.
Team members: Russell “ Ding” Bailey, DeWitt; William Cramer, Hardy; Howard Fisher, Peru; George Grafton, Peru; Leonard Greathouse, Ord; Bob Halladay, Hancook, Iowa; Severn Handley, Aburn; Robert Henderson, Auburn; Earnest Huegel, Dorchester; Luther Hutton, Auburn; Lynn James,Sterling; Tom Johnson, Palmyra; Tom Majors, Peru; Jack McIntire, Nebraska City; Alan Morris, Auburn; Lester Mosley, Ong ; Gilbert Purucker, Omaha; John Rhodus, Peru; Glen Sheely, Elk Creek; Bob Smith, Talmage; Richard Severson, Ord; and Cecil Walker, DeWitt.
Coaches: Al Wheeler and Arthur Jones.
