Bio

Berklie Perico was an All-American football player at Arkansas City Junior College in 1954. He was an all-state junior college player twice, and served as the Tigers’ co-captain in 1956. He also was the Tigers’ punter, and averaged 41.6 yards per kick. Perico also excelled at basketball, earning All-American honors in 1956. He was named to the all-state team, and led ACJC to a third-place finish at the 1955 national tournament. As if that weren’t enough, Perico also was a two-time letterman in golf, helping the Tigers to two state championships. At the time of his induction, Perico was employed by the U.S. Government, Department of Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs. He worked for the Department of Interior for more than 30 years. Native Americans are his life, mainly in northeast Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arizona. He has been heavily involved in discussion groups and civic functions concerning Native Americans.