Peru State College Athletics

The “Big Swede,” Paul Hertz, was an Iowan who crossed the river to star on some of Peru’s finest athletic teams in the late 1920’s. The 230 pound Hertz was called the “bone-crushing fullback” on Bobcat football teams and played guard in basketball despite his size. Swede also set state records in the shot and discus in track. After graduating in 1929, Hertz taught and coached for a period before enjoying great success as a California citrus grower. He passed away in 1984.