Kemmerer’s AQ Peternal is Headed to Rocky Mountain College for Football

AQ Peternal from Kemmerer High School has signed to play football at Rocky Mountain College in Billings, MT.

Peternal was a four-year starter and lettermen for the Rangers on the gridiron. He was a two-time all-state and three-time all-conference performer. Peternal was also one of the 96 nominees for the National Football Foundation’s Scholar-Athlete Award in Wyoming.

As a senior, Peternal rushed for 533 yards and three touchdowns. He led the Rangers with 112 defensive points, an average of 14 per game, which ranked him No. 21 in Class 2A. Peternal also led Kemmerer in all-purpose yards over the past three seasons. He helped the Rangers to the playoffs in 2018, which was their first appearance in the postseason since 2012. As a freshman, AQ ran 543 yards and four touchdowns in 2017.

During his high school football career, Peternal has won numerous team awards. He was a three-time offensive MVP, team MVP, and Iron Ranger. Peternal was the 2020 Cowboy State combine MVP.

Peternal told the Kemmerer Gazette, “I love this sport. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here.”

In addition to football, Peternal has played basketball, wrestled, and been on the track and field teams for the Rangers. He helped Kemmerer to the Class 2A state basketball tournament in 2019. This year, Peternal finished in fifth place at 170 pounds in Class 2A. He went 24-6 on the season. Peternal has also placed as an individual or part of a relay in each of his first two years in outdoor track. Of course, the 2020 track season was canceled due to the virus.

“I’m very excited to have everything come together and have the opportunity to represent Kemmerer and play football at a great school,” Peternal told the Kemmerer Gazette. “I’m thankful for all of my coaches and family support over the last four years.”

Peternal's scholarship is a full four-year athletic and academic award.

Rocky Mountain College competes at the NAIA level in collegiate football. The Battlin’ Bears play in the Frontier Conference. Former Wyoming QB Chris Stutzriem (2008) is the head coach at Rocky Mountain College.

*Information for this article was used with permission from the Kemmerer Gazette