John Peterson is entering his eighth season as an assistant coach for Blugold Wrestling after joining the program upon Head Coach Tim Fader's hiring. Peterson won three Wisconsin State University Conference championships in wrestling at UW-Stout before he took his talents far from Wisconsin. An Olympic medalist, he won a silver medal in 1972 and a gold medal four years later.  He earned a variety of additional honors on his way to Olympic gold. Peterson was a member of the U.S. World Team in 1971 and '73; traveled to Russia and Poland on exchange teams in 1972, '73 and '75; and was a four-time AAU national champion. He has been inducted into the United World Wrestling, UW-Stout, National Wrestling, NAIA District 14 and WIAC Hall of Fames.

According to Fader, Peterson "has been instrumental in working with Blugold wrestlers, focusing primarily on spiritual wellness and mental preparedness." Fader called his impact "significant" and said his Monday schedule is "completely full of wrestlers and staff."  Fader pointed out that "one of the things we had planned to establish in our wrestlers' lives is consistency.  I feel that John Peterson has brought that to the UWEC wrestling program." 

Updated: 10/24/2022