Perry principal killed in January shooting to be honored at Iowa-Nebraska ‘Heroes Game’

IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) - The Perry High School principal who died after being shot at the school in January will be honored at this year’s Heroes Game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Kinnick Stadium.

Dan Marburger, who had been Perry High School’s principal since 1995, was shot after officials say he placed himself in harm’s way trying to protect his students.

The university announced on Thursday, in a break from tradition, instead of waiting on a fan nominating process, Marburger has already been selected to be this year’s Heroes Game honoree.

“We had an outpouring of individuals reach out to the University of Iowa after that tragic moment suggesting Principal Marburger be our next Hero,” Iowa Athletics Director Beth Goetz said in a post on the university’s website. “We felt strongly that this would be a positive way to honor him, and the Perry community.”

The Heroes game is set for Nov. 29.