(Peru, Neb.) - The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced that Mitch Boshart, a football student-athlete and social science education major at Peru State, is the male winner of the Duer award.  Boshart is from Wood River.

The award is named for A.O. Duer, who served as executive secretary of the NAIA for 26 years and was well known for his strong opinions that the NAIA and its member institutions should strive to effectively balance academics and athletics. The award is presented to an outstanding NAIA junior student-athlete who maintains an overall grade-point average of at least a 3.75 (on a 4-point scale). The NAIA Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives selects the two winners, one male and one female. Both winners this year were nominated by the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC).

It is the first time a student-athlete from Peru State has been selected as a winner.  Two years ago, Andrew Conn (Wausa) was the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference (MCAC), the Bobcats' former conference, male nominee.
Boshart is a Peru State Board of Trustees scholar, a member of the college's honors program and a Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete award winner.
The three-year letter winner has been a two-year starter on special teams and is a Bobcat Football Elite Team Leader.  Boshart also is a TeamMates mentor.  In addition to participating in many community service events with his team and in his local community, Boshart has served as the sports information department's radio interviewer in conjunction with KNCY's Bobcat Buzz pre-recorded halftime segments.

“Mitch consistently demonstrates character and leadership in the various roles he fulfills on this campus,” said Dr. Judith Ruskamp, associate professor of education at Peru State. “Likewise, his high energy and enthusiasm, his willingness to participate, his genuine appreciation of all 'educational' experiences, and his eagerness to contribute to the development and improvement of self, peers and community speak to the quality of Mitch's character and leadership qualities.”

Mitch's academic advisor, Dr. Sara Crook, professor of history and political science, noted, “Mitch is a model student and one whom teachers love to have enrolled in their classes.  Although a dedicated athlete, Mitch understands the main role that academics must play during a collegiate career.”  Crook added, “He has found that balance, excelling not only in his athleticism, but also as an exemplary student.  He sets the bar very high for himself and leads accordingly.”

Boshart was pleased and honored to receive the national recognition.  “It was an honor to be Peru State's and the HAAC's male nominee for this award. Knowing this is a national award, against many deserving student-athletes, makes me feel even more honored,” said Boshart.

In addition, Boshart added, “I've been blessed to have my parents, family, friends, coaches, and teammates around in my life to have helped shape my character and leadership traits into what they are today. I had many people who were willing to write letters of recommendations, and I am grateful for all the help they gave me with this award.”

In conclusion, Boshart stated, “It is truly an honor to represent Peru State in winning the A.O. Duer Award. There are many well-deserving student-athletes on this campus, and I'm sure we will continue to represent the college and community in a positive way, as we work towards not only excellence on the field, but also in the classroom, striving to become tomorrow's leaders.”

Kelsi Martin, a volleyball student-athlete and athletic training major at Graceland University (Iowa) is the female winner of the Duer award.