Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

Bethel University Athletics

Upcoming and Recent Events

GregPeterson_COTY
Carl Schmuland

Football 11.28.2011

Peterson Awarded AFCA DIII Assistant Coach of the Year

Greg Peterson honored with American Football Coaches Association achievement

AFCA PRESS RELEASE

GREG PETERSON REACTION

WACO, Texas - Assistant Football Coach Greg Peterson was announced Monday as the American Football Coaches Association's Division III Assistant Coach of the Year. Peterson, who has been with the Bethel University football team for 20 years, was awarded the second-ever Bethel AFCA Assistant Coach-of-the-Year achievement based upon his outstanding level of commitment to the institution's program as well as his commitment to bettering others off the field.

The offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach was a four-year starter on the Bethel offense from 1988-91 and a member of the Royals basketball team. Peterson graduated from Bethel in 1992 with a degree in elementary education and in 2004 earned his master's degree in organizational leadership. In addition to his coaching duties, Peterson is Bethel's assistant athletic director.

Off the field, Coach Peterson reads to students at Lincoln Elementary School and volunteers in the children's ministry at Calvary Church in White Bear Lake, Minn. Furthermore, Peterson has helped run a football clinic for the Union Gospel Mission of St. Paul, Minn., and assists the Young Life Golf Fundraising Event (Young Life is a ministry that serves junior high and high school students). He volunteers his time with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and serves as an assistant coach for White Bear Lake summer soccer programs. Coach Peterson also contributes to many coaching clinics in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and is a member of the Minnesota Coaches Association. 

Throughout his time as a coach at Bethel, 'Petey' has coached three of the Top 4 passers, seven of the Top 11 rushers and seven of the Top 10 receivers in Bethel history. Peterson has been a member of two NCAA Division III semi-final teams, and has helped coach BU to four Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles and 18 winning seasons. 

Several coaches have been rewarded by coaching alongside Peterson. Upon receiving this prestigious award, a few of them highlighted several things about Greg Peterson winning the award and what the honor does for the Bethel Royal's football program.

Head Coach Steve Johnson was incredibly excited upon learning of 'Petey's' award. "This is a great honor for Greg and a testament to his hard work and dedication to our program. He is the guy who works his tail off, has great poise, and never needs a reward or credit.  This is a great example to our players who we ask to give their gifts away for free! I am very excited that he was selected and look forward to celebrating with him."

Assistant Coach Mike Fregeau spoke highly of Peterson's award saying, "'Petey' is one of the most humble guys you will meet, and his dedication to this program is exceptional. Greg is the most deserving recepient of this recognition simply because of his longevity and devotion to Bethel students, and more specifically Royal football. His servant attitude is a gift to us as coaches and to players as well."

Defensive Coordinator Jimmy Miller noted Peterson's discipline and hard work. "Greg is the ultimate servant within our program. He does an excellent job keeping us organized and on track when it comes to practices, recruiting, and all-around program management. I have admired his faithfulness to the institution and the football team, as he has served in multiple capacities for 20 years straight." Miller continued, "Much like the verse in Corinthians that speaks to a body of many parts, 'Petey' is a huge part to our program. Furthermore, he's just as good at home as a husband and father. For our program this is huge because it showcases the great staff we have together here."

Quarterback Coach and former player for Coach Peterson, Scott Kirchoff expressed, "This award is a representation of everything Greg stands for. His service to this program is steadfast, as he has showcased commitment to the team and coaches through the good times and bad. Petey is consistant each day, both on the field and off. His preparation and loyalty are evidenced in the way he attacks practices, games, and even his personal relationship with the Lord." Kirchoff continued,"That heart can only make our system better and make the players more attracted to coming. If they see a coach that is commited to them as an individual and the program for 20 years, students will want to be an athlete here."
Print Friendly Version