(Peru, Neb.) – The 1961-62 Men's Basketball Team is the 69th of 84 individuals and/or teams being recognized as part of the lead up to the 31^st Peru State Hall of Fame Induction ceremony.
 
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 and Saturday, Sept. 22 and 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.  
The inscription on 1961-62 Men's Basketball Team plaque which is exhibited in the upper lobby of the Al Wheeler Activity Center reads as follows: "The 1961-62 Bobcat men's basketball team experienced great success finishing the season with a 23-5 record and a trip to the NAIA National Tournament in Kansas City.

Coached by PSC Hall of Fame Coach, Jack McIntire, the Bobcats, in route to the national tournament, finished with an 11-1 record and conference title in the Nebraska College Conference (NCC). The NCC title propelled the Bobcats into the District 11 NAIA Playoffs against Wayne State College. The 'Cats held off the second half comeback to capture a second straight trip to the national tournament. One player was named all-conference while two others received honorable mention post-season recognition.

In Kansas City, the Bobcats defeated Mayville College of North Dakota in the first round by a score of 90-74. The Bobcats were defeated 67-65 by Carson-Newman College of Tennessee in the second game of the National tourney, ending their championship hopes.

Twelve Bobcats earned letters at the conclusion of the season: Seniors Bob Buttgenbach, Beatrice; Bob Gibson, Falls City; Drexel Harvey, Hartford, III; Larry Rathe, Sterling; Mike Roach, Palmyra. Juniors – Ken Dostal, Scribner; Larry Hayes, Auburn; Jim Mayo, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Tom Yopp, East Alton, III. Sophomores- Jim Hall, Omaha; Pat Hamm, Wood River, Ill.; and Cliff Murray (mgr.) Omaha. Other team members were Bill Tynon, Daniel Coffey, Roger Crook, Darrell Herbster, Harvey Fraser, Dale Kreimer, and Douglas Cotner. Jerry Stemper served as the assistant to Head Coach McIntire."
 
From the 1962 Peruvian, this was noted about each of the seniors. Bob Gibson – Although Bob Gibson was not a starter, he was a valuable man for the Bobcats. Normally a guard, he was also used as a forward and was a valuable relief man. Bob is the brother of former Bobcat athletes "Hoot" Douglas Gibson and LaMarr Gibson of Falls City. Mike Roach – Guard Mike Roach, 5'10" and 165, was the smallest starter for the Bobcats. Mike was a ball hawk and a master of floor play. His defensive speed many times stopped opponents from scoring and set up plays that scored for the 'Cats. Mike hails from Palmyra. Mike was All Conference in 1961. Bob Buettgenbach – Center Bob Buettgenbach, 6'8"and 187, was high scorer for Peru. Bob was as valuable for his rebounding as he was for his shooting. Others fouled, Bob picked up many points at the free throw line. Bob comes from Beatrice. He was All Conference in 1961. Drexel Harvey – Forward Drexel Harvey, 6'3" and 175, was a valuable sharpshooter for the Bobcats. He was also a standout on defense. Drexel's home is in Hartford, Ill. Larry Rathe – Forward Larry Rathe, 6'3" and 175, was an excellent rebounder and ball handler. He had a good eye for the basket, making many field goals. He was NCC "Rookie of the Year" and received honorable mention for All Conference in 1961.
 
The 1961-62 Men's Basketball Team was inducted on October 14, 2011, as part of the 22nd induction class into the Peru State Athletic Hall of Fame.
 
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.