University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire

John Peterson is entering his 11th season as an assistant coach for Blugold Wrestling in 2025-26 after joining the program upon Head Coach Tim Fader's hiring. Peterson brings the experience of an Olympic medalist to the coaching staff.

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.