Membership Drive Has High Expectations
            Our 2025 membership drive is underway, and we hope all Boosters will renew. Just as important: please help us grow. Membership is the largest source of funds with which we support Bobcat football, and the people to do our projects.
            Boosters can renew online, or view the various membership categories and benefits, at https://bit.ly/PSCFBBoosters  Renewal letters will go out soon, but you can save us postage if you renew online first.
            The Boosters and our membership leader Vince Henzel are also appealing to all Bobcat football alumni, and to parents of players, as part of our effort to grow led by membership. Peru State College football is on the rise; let's do all we can to help the program!
 
Powerlifting Meet Saturday, February 15
The Booster Club hosts our 23rd annual Peru State Powerlifting Meet on Saturday, Feb. 15 in the Al Wheeler Activity Center with lifting starting at 9 a.m. Doors opening at 8 a.m. 
Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for students. The event lasts most of the day. 
This event has grown in numbers over the last 10 years, exceeding 200 lifters, with the largest powerlifting competition several years ago drawing 285 lifters. 
This year's meet will consist of high school athletes from the following schools: Columbus, Columbus Lakeview, Lexington, Grand Island Public, Grand Island Central Catholic, Omaha Gross Catholic, Silver Lake, Conestoga, Niobrara-Verdigre, McCook, Auburn, and Nebraska City. There were 225 lifters signed up to compete in this year's meet, with more possible by the Feb. 10 final entry date. 
During the powerlifting contest, schools compete in the squat, bench press, and deadlift. There will be four platforms flighted by weight classes with three officials/judges on each platform to determine if each participant's lift is successful. Peru State football players help load the weights and spot the attempts made by the lifters. 
The PSC Football Booster Club hosts a hospitality room with lots of good food for workers and coaches from all of the schools represented. Sponsors' names have been printed on the back side of the T shirts each lifter receives for his or her entry fee.  
Additional information, such as volunteering or concerning being a spectator or sponsor are available from Meet Coordinator Bowen at 402-650-5121. 
 
Coach O and 'Cats Working to Build on '24 Success
            Almost 110 student-athletes are in the midst of winter conditioning as the Bobcats power up for a promising 2025. Our youthful '24 squad was perhaps the surprise of the Heart of America Conference enroute to a 7-3 record, but opponents won't be looking past the 'Cats this season. Nor should they.
            "Coach O," Phil Ockinga, and his coaching staff from last season are back and added former Bobcat Jakari Starling as an assistant coach. Pre-season drills commence March 28 and will be capped by the Blue-White Game on May 3.
            Eleven transfers joined the program at mid-term, and more than 50 freshmen committed as of national signing day in early February. While Coach O noted "some disappointments" in targets who went elsewhere, they're still working on a handful of others, and he said "I'd be surprised if anyone (in the conference) has a better class" of recruits.
            That's some statement considering the 'Cats are in a league that sent a record four teams to the national playoffs last season, three of whom are on the '25 schedule, including national champion Grand View.
            Transfers include linebacker and local product Tate Hug from Auburn, whose father Matt was a Bobcat standout and is a Booster; Jayden Potter, a big offensive lineman from Lincoln North Star; 6-4, 245-lb quarterback John Holcombe from Kansas State; and running back Donta Whack from the University of Massachusetts.
            Three receivers and a couple more linebackers transferred in to bolster those position groups, too. Receiving was an area they spent extra time on in the offseason; beyond that, the aim was on building depth.
            "We always focus on offensive and defensive lines when we recruit – that's where you win ball games," Ockinga said.
            With Hastings backing out of the season opener on Aug. 30, Coach O continues to seek an opponent for the 'Cats only non-conference game.      
           
Wild Game/Fish Fry Was Outstanding!
            Another fantastic Wild Game Feed & Fish Fry is in the books, and our thanks to all who attended! If you weren't there, you don't know what you missed. An incredible and abundant selection of delicacies sent the crowd home fulfilled.
            A special thanks to Bob Bowman, Tim Smulling and the "kitchen crew" for a ton of hard work. Thanks to Booster member Jeff Domino and his team at the Auburn Eagles for their hospitality, and to all Board members and others who volunteered their time.
Our raffle and auction activities raised even more money for the football program, and a good time was had by all.
            And CONGRATULATIONS to Board member A.J. Nelson for being named our 2024 Booster of the Year. She's our treasurer, leads our annual Golf Tournament, and is a super fan of the Bobcat program. Thanks A.J., you earned it!
 
Your 2025 Booster Board
Members are the heart and soul of the Booster Club, but it's our Board that makes the organization run. Our 2025 Board is led by President Bob Bowman, (bowman86@windstream.net, 402-917-8327; Secretary Jody Bowman; Treasurer Amy "A.J." Nelson; and Vince Henzel, Membership.
Board members include Tim Bowen, Don Dougherty, Dan Gauchat, Paul & Arlene Fell, Terry & Erika Graham, Chuck & Alice Mizerski, Kent Propst, Al Urwin, and Darrell Wellman.
Contact information for the Football Boosters is, email PSCFBBoosters@gmail.com, snail mail Peru State Football Boosters, c/o Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 68421.
 
Circle the Dates – 2025 Bobcat Football Schedule Released!
            May 3 – Spring Game, Oak Bowl. Tours of the new Dome will be available!
            Aug. 30, Open Date, trying to fill it
            Sept. 6, Baker at Peru, 6 p.m.
            Sept. 13, Missouri Valley at Peru, 6 p.m.
            Sept. 20, at Central Methodist, 1 p.m.
            Sept. 27, at Benedictine, 1 p.m.
            Oct. 4, Clarke at Peru, 1 p.m.
            Oct. 11, Bye
            Oct. 16 (Thursday), at Grand View, 6:30 p.m.
            Oct. 25, Graceland at Peru, 1 p.m.
            Nov. 1, at William Penn, 1 p.m.
            Nov. 8, St. Ambrose at Peru, 1 p.m.
            Nov. 15, at Culver-Stockton
                        Game times subject to change
 
            Another date to circle is Friday, July 18 for the annual Football Boosters Golf Tournament in Shenandoah, Iowa. More information will be sent as the event nears.
            And, don't forget the annual Peru State College Athletic Department's annual golf tourney on May 23 at Table Creek in Nebraska City. Proceeds from that event support all Bobcat athletics.