(Peru, Neb.) – Chuck Mizerski is the 73rd of 84 individuals and/or teams being recognized while leading up to the 26th Peru State Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. The Hall of Fame began in April of 1986.
 
As Nebraska and Peru State are both celebrating their 150^th birthdays, the College is also hosting special events throughout the year. The next big event on campus will be the Peru State Athletic Hall of Fame banquet which will take place on Friday, Sept. 22, with a presentation at halftime on Saturday, Sept. 23.
 
As a lead up to the upcoming Hall of Fame event, the 84 individuals and/or teams will be recognized on a daily basis with one noted on each of the 84 days prior to the event.
 
Mizerski, a Granite City, Ill. native, was inducted for his success as a football player while at Peru State and for his outstanding coaching experiences after graduation.
 
The inscription on Mizerski's plaque which is exhibited in the upper lobby of the Al Wheeler Activity Center reads as follows: "As a student-athlete, Chuck Mizerski was a four year, two-way starter at tackle for Peru State College. As a coach, Chuck replaced Frank Solich, in 1979, at Lincoln Southeast. He oversaw a football powerhouse at Lincoln Southeast from 1979 to 2006. In that time, the Knights won 230 games, six state championships, and three state runner-up trophies. Before coaching at Lincoln Southeast, Mizerski coached in Plattsmouth and Granite City, Ill., compiling a combined 274-81-1 record. His teams were always well prepared, competed with great intensity, and exhibited the highest levels of sportsmanship. Six of his players went on to play in the National Football League.
 
He earned nominations twice for the National Coach of the Year honors. Chuck coached in two Nebraska Shrine Bowls and earned Coach of the Year recognition from three Nebraska media Outlets. In 2011, Mizerski was inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame."
 
Mizerski was very humorous to begin his acceptance speech at the Hall of Fame banquet with many short stories about his family, friends, and current Bobcat coaching staff.
 
He talked about his beginnings in Granite City, Ill., where your choices after graduation were either working in the steel mill, which he did for a little while, or going to the Army. His parents were career military who both served in World War II. Mizerski noted, though, that everything that was good happening for him can be traced back to Peru State College. He said the best thing that happened was meeting a young lady from Manley, Neb., Alice, who later became his wife. Mizerski described her as the kindest and nicest person he has ever met.
 
Mizerski thanked numerous people, including Jerry Joy – a member of the Hall of Fame. He noted many other teachers and coaches who helped him through his college years. He recognized the coaches at that time – Coach Erv Pitts, the head coach at the time. Continuing he noted that Coach McIntire was fun – maybe too much fun. He mentioned Coach Fitzgerald, Coach Stemper, and Coach Pelisek as well. Mizerski noted that after he hit his only triple in his life under Coach Pelisek playing baseball, Coach Pelisek replaced him with Nick Petrillo to run for him. Petrillo was thrown out at home and Mizerski commented about it and didn't play the second game of the double header.
  
Mizerski was inducted into the Peru State Hall of Fame on Oct. 18, 2013, as a member of the 23rd class. He presently lives in Lincoln with his wife Alice. Mizerski is still a member of the Bobcat football coaching staff.
 
The public is invited to attend the Hall of Fame event. For more information and details, contact Deborah Solie at the College's Foundation at 402-872-2395 or dsolie@peru.edu.