Wrestling
- Title:
- Volunteer Assistant Wrestling Coach
- Phone:
- 320-308-2996
John Peterson, an Olympic champion, two-time Olympic medalist, three-time World Cup champion and a member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, will be assisting the St. Cloud State University wrestlers this season with personal development.
Peterson earned a silver medal as a freestyle wrestler at the 1972 Olympics in Munich, Germany, then won the 180.5-pound freestyle gold medal at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, Canada. He earned World Cup championships in 1973, 1975 and 1980. As a collegiate wrestler at Wisconsin-Stout, he was an NAIA All-American (fifth place) in 1971 and earned three conference titles. He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1986.
He has shared his faith with people around the world, working with Athletes In Action and Campus Crusade for Christ. Along with his brother, fellow Olympic wrestling champion Ben Peterson, the duo founded Camp of Champs in 1977. The Wisconsin-based camp combines intense training and competition with recreation and character training from a biblical perspective.
“We are very fortunate to have John work with our student-athletes on a personal basis,” said Coach Steve Costanzo. “John is a great role model and I believe our men will learn a lot from him.”
