McCann and Finke Named as Duer Award Nominees

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Benton McCann (Baker) and Taylor Finke (Peru State) have been named as the A.O. Duer Award nominees for the Heart of America Athletic Conference.

The A.O. Duer award is named in honor of the NAIA's former executive secretary for 26 years and recognizes one junior student-athlete in any sport for each gender based on their scholarship, character, and citizenship.

Baker's McCann is majoring in Exercise Science and is a member of the men's track and field program. In 2020, he earned a 5th place finish in the 60m Hurdles at the Heart of America Indoor Track & Field Championship and earned Second Team All-Conference honors in the 400m Hurdles in 2018. McCann also serves as part of a panel that mentors incoming students, volunteers for the annual blood drive and community service projects, and was an active member of the Student Activities Council.

Peru State's Finke is majoring in Language Arts Teaching and is a member of the women's golf program. She served as the President of the Peru State Education Association (PSEA) during the 2019-20 academic year which included taking the lead on homecoming preparations, community outreach, and planning the college's annual Dr. Suess Birthday Bash.

The national winners will be announced publicly during the NAIA National Awards Day in September.