Peru State College Athletics

One of the best, if not the best, displays of the “team” concept in Peru State College Sports history was exhibited by the 1947-48 basketball squad. The Bobcats, with only four returning letter winners and two upperclassmen, were considered a year or two away from state contention. But they blended a combination of balance and depth with the skill of the first-year Coach Newt Kyle to far exceed all expectations. Among the highlights of their 20-3 season was a school-record win total and tourney crowns at the York Invitational and the Nebraska College Conference. From mid-January to mid – February they reeled off 13 straight victories, propelling them to NAIB (later NAIA) national tournament in Kansas City for the fourth time in five years. The 1947-48 basketball squad, which laid the foundation for the successes which followed in the next three seasons, becomes the fourth Hall of Fame entry under the “team” category.