(Peru, Neb.) – The Peru State Athletic Hall of Fame committee has announced its 2019 Hall of Fame class which includes five individuals. This will be the 28^th group to be inducted into the College's select class since its start in 1986.
 
On behalf of the committee, Peru State President Dr. Dan Hanson and Foundation Chief Executive Officer Todd Simpson have announced that Tabitha (Foster) Keating (Plattsmouth), Scott Gerdes (Omaha), Norris Hale – posthumously, Al Urwin (LaVista), and William Witty (Syracuse) are being inducted.  
 
A reception, followed by a banquet, will begin at 5:30 p.m., on October 25, in the Student Center.  Reservations for this event must be made in advance.  For more information, contact the Foundation Office at 402-872-2304 or email Deborah Solie at dsolie@peru.edu. 
 
The honorees will also be recognized at halftime of the football game versus Missouri Valley on Saturday, Oct. 26. The game begins at 11 a.m. and will be held in the Oak Bowl. The early start time is due to the Bobcats' game being televised on ESPN3.

Hanson said, "We are thrilled to be able to honor Peru State College's outstanding student-athletes and administrators in this way. Each of these individuals has made a significant and lasting impact on our athletic programs that will not be forgotten. Their talent and determination have greatly contributed to the college's long and proud tradition of athletic excellence. We look forward to honoring more Peru State athletic standouts in the future."

The following is a brief biography of each honoree:

Tabitha (Foster) Keating – 2007 – Softball – Student-Athlete
Tabitha (Foster) Keating is being inducted in the Peru State Hall of Fame having had much success on the softball field.
 
Keating is the only Bobcat to ever be named as an NAIA First Team All-American. In addition, she was a National Fast Pitch Coach Association First Team selection. Not only was Keating successful at the plate, but she was a top pitcher as well. Her NAIA individual rankings at the end of the season included: first in home runs, second in saves, third in runs batted in per game, seventh in total bases per game, eighth in slugging percentage, and 20^th in total wins.
 
Scott Gerdes – 1992 – Football – Student-Athlete
Scott Gerdes is being inducted into the Peru State Hall of Fame as a student-athlete for his prowess on the football field.
 
Gerdes was one of main cogs in the Bobcat running game during Peru State's only championship run in 1990. He was named the most valuable player in the NAIA first round playoff game and also in the semifinal matchup. Gerdes was twice named to the All Tri-State Athletic Conference First Team. During his time, he set season records for catches, punt returns, and punt returns for touchdowns. In addition, Gerdes set career records for yards per carry, receptions, and punt returns. Following the championship, he received NAIA All-American honorable mention.
 
Norris Hale (Posthumously) – 1951 – Meritorious Service
 
Norris "Scooter" Hale is posthumously being inducted into the Peru State Hall of Fame under the meritorious service category.
 
The Beatrice native ran track while at Peru State and also served as the sports editor of Pedagogian. But more importantly about Hale's selection was his service once graduating from the College. He coached football for 41 years compiling a 252-132-7 record which as of 2000, was seventh-best in Iowa history. Hale had 15 conference/district championships in 25 years while at Pella High School and made the playoffs 12 times. In addition, Hale was known for organizing numerous coaching clinics and received numerous honors throughout his career.
 
Al Urwin – 1982 – Meritorious Service/Student-Athlete
 
Al Urwin is being inducted into the Peru State Hall of Fame under both the Meritorious Service and Student-Athlete categories.
 
For several years, Urwin was a member of the Omaha Alumni Board and the National Alumni Association Board. Presently, he is a member of the Foundation Board of Directors. As a student-athlete, Urwin was an offensive lineman and started all four years for the Bobcats. He served as one of the captains for both his junior and senior seasons. Urwin was an NAIA District 11 honorable mention as a senior and earned first team recognition by both major papers following his final season.
 
William Witty – 1966 – Student-Athlete
 
William Witty is being inducted into the Peru State Hall of Fame as a Student-Athlete.
 
Witty may be one of very few who graduated from Peru State having earned 12 letters. He earned four letters in football, basketball, and track having been a starter and/or major contributor in each sport. Witty was twice nominated for the Nebraska College Athlete of the Year. He was the starting quarterback on a 5-2-2 football team, started all games in a basketball season while averaging 11.3 points per game, and earned numerous medals in track and field competitions while throwing the javelin and discus.
 
Athletic Hall of Fame – 28^th Year
 
When the Al Wheeler Activity Center was dedicated in 1986, the Peru State College Athletic Hall of Fame was established. The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to recognize, honor and preserve the memory of those individuals and teams whose contributions have greatly enhanced Nebraska's first college.
 
The Hall of Fame gallery resides in the lobby of the Wheeler Center, named after the first inductee into the Hall of Fame, Alfred G. Wheeler. A candidate can be nominated in one of four categories:  coach, player, team, or meritorious service.
 
A committee of alumni make the selections annually each spring.
 
Nominations are welcomed and can be submitted to PSC Athletic Hall of Fame, c/o Alumni Office, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, NE 68421. For additional information, call (402) 872-2304.