Following up on a rumor that we posted a few days ago…
Williston State has announced that Athletic Director and Head Men’s Basketball Coach Eric Peterson has resigned from his position today.
Coach Peterson has accepted a position of assistant for the University of South Dakota Men’s Basketball under first year Head Coach Crag Smith. The NCAA D1 Coyotes finished 12-18 overall in the 2013-2014 season, and 6-8 in the Summit League. Coach Peterson commented the move to USD. "I’m extremely excited for this opportunity and next step in my profession. There aren’t too many guys I would leave this job for. I’ve known Coach Smith for several years and he’s a guy I trust and believe in. I’m very fortunate to get the opportunity to work for him at the University of South Dakota."
Coach Peterson got his start at Williston State as the top assistant from 2005-2009 under Head Coach Terry Olson where he helped guide the program to a Mon-Dak Conference Championship, a Region Championship, and a District Championship that led to an NJCAA National Tournament appearance in 2006. He returned to Williston State as top assistant in 2011 after two-years at Minnesota State University-Moorhead.
In 2012 Coach Peterson was named Teton Men’s Basketball Head Coach. In his two years as head coach, Peterson led the Tetons to a 52-15 record, a Mon-Dak Conference Championship, and a Region XIII title. During his tenure at the helm of Teton Men’s Basketball, Peterson also coached two NJCAA All-Americans, and was named Region XIII and Mon-Dak Coach of the year once each.
The 2013-2014 season also marked Coach Peterson’s second year as Athletics Director at Williston State. Over the two years as AD, Peterson was paramount in the continual growth of Teton Athletics. From guiding the implementation of Teton Hockey and Teton Softball to the new look of T.O. Court, and projects still to come for Teton Athletics, Peterson’s presence will be felt at Williston State for many years to come.
Peterson commented about the Tetons Men’s Basketball Team. "What we’ve managed to do in two years in Williston is something I’m very proud of. Coach Olson gave me a chance as a first time head coach and provided me with all the resources to be successful. My assistant coaches don’t get their name in the media but, all three are a huge reason why we’ve been so successful." Peterson continued, "Talking with our group, I believe they are going to stick together through the transition. They absolutely should in my mind. They won 27 games this year with just two sophomores. Whoever takes over is going to have a lot of fun coaching that group. We also have some incoming ND kids that will stay committed and a few out-of-staters."
"I’m going to really miss the people. I always say you won’t find better fans, supporters, staff, and people than in Williston. I truly believe that. I can’t thank everyone enough for the opportunity and support my seven years here. It’s truly a special place." Said Peterson about his experiences at Williston State.
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