(Peru, Neb.) – The 2021-22 Peru State College Swenson winners will be recognized Saturday, September 3, at the College's first home football game.
 
The Bobcats will be hosting Central Methodist at 6 p.m. in the historic Oak Bowl.
 
This year's honorees will be Taylor Finke (Battle Creek) and Isaac Simpson (Papillion). Finke and Simpson will be honored at halftime of the ball game.
 
About the Swenson Award
 
Each year since 1925, outstanding student-athletes have been presented with the Bert Swenson award in recognition of their participation in athletics, outstanding character, personality, service, and loyalty to Peru State. The award was created in memory of Bert and Stella Swenson's 13-month old son, Bert. Jr., who passed away.
 
Bert Swenson, Sr., was a football great who graduated from Peru State College in 1909. The Shickley, Nebraska, native served as the football team captain and class president during his senior year at PSC. In 2009, Mr. Swenson was honored posthumously with his induction into the PSC athletic hall of fame. '
 
Since 1999, a female and male selection has been made by the members of the athletic department staff. Awards are provided by the Peru State College Foundation.
 
The following is the nomination information which was provided for each honoree.
 
Taylor Finke
Finke was a five-year member of the Bobcat golf team. Her accomplishments included:
 

  • CoSIDA All-America® At-Large Second Team
  • 2X CoSIDA All-District At-Large
  • Heart's A.O. Duer Award winner – Conference's Top Junior Female Student-Athlete
  • 5X team member
  • Top golfer for all five years – earned 20 medals during career
  • Graduated Summa Cum Laude
  • 3X NAIA Scholar-Athlete
  • 3X Heart Scholar-Athlete
  • 6X President's List (Perfect 4.0)
  • 3X Dean's List
  • 4X Peru Student Education Association (PSEA) – Past President, President-Elect, and Vice President – Served 2.5 years as secretary – Had lead responsibilities for Dr. Seuss Birthday Bash which provided presentations for over 600 children
  • PSEA Homecoming and Outreach Committees
  • 100+ Hours of community service

 
Isaac Simpson
Simpson was a four-year member of the Peru State men's basketball team. His accomplishments included:
 

  • Heart's Emil S. Liston Award winner for top men's basketball player for academics and athletics
  • 4X Team Member
  • 2X Starter
  • 4X Captain
  • Member of the 18-19 National Tournament Team
  • 5X President's List (Perfect 4.0)
  • 3X Dean's List
  • 4X NAIA Scholar-Athlete
  • 4X Heart Scholar-Athlete
  • 3X Peru Association of Student Athletes – Co-Chaired PASA's Sponsor/Partner Appreciation Night
  • Numerous community service activities including Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, Peru City-Wide Clean-Up

 
Finke is beginning her teaching career as a language arts teacher in the Aspen Creek Middle School in the Gretna Public School District.
 
Simpson is serving as a graduate assistant for the NCAA Division I Winthrop Eagles in Rock Hill, S.C.
 
Dale Thomas Night
 
In addition to recognizing the Swenson winners at halftime, the College and Foundation will be recognizing the late Dale Thomas and his family. Thomas, a former Peru State student, served for many years as the public address announcer for the Bobcat football games.