Determination and resiliency are words commonly used within sports for teams who achieve success. Despite their commonality, true embodiment of these words is hard to capture, until you sit down for a game at the Al-Wheeler Activity Center (AWAC) on the campus of Peru State College. Over the past three seasons, Men's Basketball Head Coach, Roman Gentry, and his staff have built their program culture on these core pillars and these five seniors. 

Donzell Johnson, Guard from Bloomington, Illinois. 

Ty Griggs, Guard from Omaha, Nebraska. 

Tyler Riley, Guard from Springfield, Nebraska. 

Easton Hall, Forward from Schuyler, Nebraska. 

Christian Tidiane, Forward from Council Bluffs, Iowa. 

Since taking over the program three years ago, Gentry and the Bobcats have had three consecutive seasons of 20 wins or more, a Heart of America Conference Title, three consecutive NAIA National Tournament appearances and a 35-10 home record. When asked about how this program has found such consistency early in a new coach's tenure, the players credited efficient practices and accountability. 

Ty Griggs mentioned the practices are quick, but full of important skill work for each upcoming game. 

"We do a lot of shooting, lot of defensive drills, boxing out, stuff like that. Little things we need to work on." 

Tyler Riley followed up by referencing the shorter practices keep them fresh for games. 

"It's nice too because there's hardly ever much standing around. We get into scout, we get shots up, we basically get in and get out. With us being older guys it's nice that we're not wearing down our body every day, we kind of get a break with the shorter practices and everyone is ready for the game." 

When talking about coach Gentry's presence at practice, Christian Tidiane spoke about how the team connects with him. 

"For me, my favorite part about him is how much we can relate to him. Like he's a former player. He knows what we have to do because he personally put in the work to play at that level." 

Easton Hall spoke about how Coach Gentry is constantly pushing the team to get better, no matter what the situation is. 

"It's been real fun, you learn a lot better and you get better yourself just going against them every day. I think that helps us win games more often because we have talent here and you go against them every day. You learn to do things that you didn't know you could do." 

High energy is needed for every game as Peru State plays in the Heart of America Athletic Conference, one of the toughest of the NAIA Division. Donzell Johnson explained how their preparation and growth over the last few years has helped them compete at a high level across conference play. 

"Heart of America Conference is a tough conference and any given night, you can get got. You know? So we come in with a focused mindset, and over the past few years we've gotten better at learning scouts, and just learning players in the conference to better our defensive scheme." 

Tyler Riley spoke about his role on scout team and the importance that piece of practice has played for not only his growth as a player, but for the team's success. 

"Coming into college I didn't think scout was a big deal, but over the last four years I've learned how much it kind of helps with things. I'm a scout team guy myself, so I've taken that role in, and my role is to be better than the guy I'm trying to be." 

The preparations have led Peru to another strong season in the Heart of America conference, finishing with a 17-7 record, falling to Graceland in the Conference Tournament Semifinals. Peru has had two conference finals appearances and one conference tournament championship over the past three seasons. 

The importance of establishing a culture is only half the battle. Johnson spoke about what he hopes will be left behind when this group of seniors is gone. 

"For the culture for the younger guys, I want them to continue what we built and stay on that right path of winning and being successful. And I hope we've shown them the right skills and habits to do that." 

Griggs, Riley, Tidiane and Hall each echoed Johnson's sentiment with similar advice for their younger team members. 

"Make sure they're doing the right things at all times. School work, make sure that's getting done, staying in the gym and staying sharp. Just doing what you need to do to be the best player you can be." 

"I'd emphasize on trust. Buy into the coaches, the gameplan, like all of that. Don't only go half way in because you'll only get half the results." 

"You're not going to get what you want right away, you have to work. Eventually you'll get what you work for." 

"Lock in when you need to, but enjoy it." 

When asked about their favorite memory of their senior season, all answered the same. Defeating #6 ranked Baker University at home. The Bobcats held the Wildcats to a season low in shooting, flexing their defensive muscles in a 73-63 victory. Tyler Riley mentioned how games like that, along with their 14-1 home court record this season has made them into a feared opponent across the Heart of America Athletic Conference. 

"Coach always says when we go and play teams, we're their Super Bowl game. We're marked on their schedule so we get the best of every team and that kind of motivates us in a way to play our best and to do what we can to win." 

Coach Gentry gave a lot of credit to this group of seniors for the work they've put in over the past three years in helping build the culture he wanted to establish at Peru. 

"I hope they take away a lot of positive memories. From the road trips, practices, side conversations, etc. But most importantly how rewarding it can be when you commit to something during the good and bad times both as a team and individually. This group of guys was here when I was first hired and have been all about the team. They have stayed with the program through personal injuries and helped us prepare to win games the last 3 years. Rather it be with scout team, actually contributing in game or cheering on teammates if they were sidelined due to injury. They have been all in on Peru State Basketball." 

The Bobcats have earned themselves a #13 seed in the NAIA National Tournament as an at large bid, something Riley and his teammates had their eyes set on since losing in the first round last season. 

"One word I'd say would be determined. We've been, at least I know us five guys have been determined since we lost last March to get back to the national tournament and do what we can to get back. Obviously we're focused on game by game as it comes, but that's the main goal and that's kind of what we've been thinking about for over a year now. 

Peru State will tip off against #4 seeded Bethel College at 3:30 PM CST on March 14 in Mishawaka, Indiana for the first round of the NAIA National Tournament.