Maranatha Head Football Coach Dr. Terry Price just turned 63. That doesn’t mean he intends to follow the lead of one of his peers and coach for 20 more years.
“I’m not going to pull a Joe Paterno,” Price said, referring to the 83-year-old Penn State coach. “I feel very good, I love what I do, and I still have a passion for the game. I don’t intend to coach forever, though, and the future direction of the program is something I have been contemplating for some time.”
With that future in mind, Price was entirely on board this week when Andy Peterson was named Associate Head Coach of the Crusader football program. The move will allow for an efficient transition when Price retires, at a future date yet to be determined.
“Our entire coaching staff has the utmost respect for Andy,” Price said. “He was a great player, a real student of the game. He is a fine person who demonstrates true Christian character. He is a good coach who will do a terrific job as a college coach when that time comes.”
Athletics Director Rob Thompson said he endorses a long-term vision for the program.
“Andy’s work ethic, his career as a player, his knowledge of the game, and the fresh approach and ideas he will bring make him a very good fit,” Thompson said.
Peterson, 29, completed his first season as head coach at Maranatha Baptist Academy in 2009, leading the Crusaders to a 5-4 record. Five of those nine games were against WIAA playoff qualifiers, and Maranatha Academy defeated two of those playoff teams (Rio and Hustisford).
He also served as college wrestling coach during the 2009-10 season, earning his first career dual-meet victory Dec. 1 when the Crusaders defeated Northland International, 30-15.
”The opportunity to work with these coaches again is going to be a really great experience,” Peterson said. “Being able to help set the direction of the program and be part of the spiritual emphasis that is part of football here is exciting for me. As for the transition, when that time comes, we hope it will be a very smooth one.”
Price said the future opening was also discussed with long-time assistant coaches Curtis Malmanger, Clayton Morrison, and Phil Price, but none wanted to pursue the opportunity due to other commitments.
“I’m excited about the young men who come here looking for Bible training as they get their education,” Peterson said. “The football program is very much a part of that experience here. We will continue to emphasize how to compete biblically, train biblically, and build relationships that honor God and are uplifting.”
The 2003 Maranatha graduate was an assistant coach for three years at Greenville College (Ill.), where he also worked as strength and conditioning coordinator. He then earned a Master of Science degree in exercise and sports medicine from Western Michigan University, where he spent two years as a graduate assistant strength and conditioning coach. Peterson was a member of the staff of a Western Michigan team that finished 9-4 and earned a Texas Bowl berth in 2008.
Peterson is the only professional football player Maranatha has produced. He was a defensive back and linebacker for two seasons with the River City Rage (St. Charles, Mo.) of the National Indoor Football League. He was an All-Upper Midwest Athletics Conference linebacker for Maranatha and also an outstanding high school player at Maranatha Baptist Academy.
Peterson, who teaches physical education, health, and science classes at the Academy, is the son of former Maranatha wrestling coach Ben Peterson, head coach for 27 years.
This fall will mark the 40th as a football coach for Price, who also serves as the college’s Director of Ministry Services. He began as an assistant at Pillsbury Baptist Bible College in 1971.
The Pennsylvania native has been Maranatha’s head coach for 25 years, leading the Crusaders to Upper Midwest Athletics Conference championships in 1990 and 1998 and a UMAC Southern Division championship in 2002. The 1998 team earned a berth in Victory Bowl II at Canton, Ohio. Maranatha posted 11 consecutive winning seasons from 1988 to 1998.
Price’s career record at Maranatha is 114-125. His combined record at Maranatha and Pillsbury, where he was head coach from 1976-83, is 137-173-1.
“I think the administration here is behind the changes that need to be made for us to be competitive,” Peterson said. “There are changes being made, especially in the recruiting process, which is something I needed to see before I committed here. We’re also going to put out a bigger call to alumni to help us by sending kids our way. All those parts are falling into place, which is a huge encouragement to me.”
--Posted May 28, 2010