Hall of Fame
Ben Peterson received his Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from Iowa State University and his Master of Divinity from Maranatha Baptist Bible College in Watertown, Wisconsin in 1984, where he remained on staff until 2003. Peterson spent his entire 27 year career at MBBC. During this time, he had the privilege of coaching many talented young men, but had two wrestlers gain national and international recognition, one as the 1985 Greco-Roman World Champion and the other as a sixth-place winner at the 2000 Olympics. Coach Peterson has numerous wrestling accomplishments of his own, a few of which include: 1968- 2nd in state of Wisconsin; 1972- Olympic Gold Medal Champion; 1973- World Bronze Medalist; 1973- USA Wrestling Federation Athlete of the Year; 1976- Olympic Silver Medalist and 1980- World Cup Champion, not to mention numerous Hall of Fame, including a Charter Member of the George Martin Wrestling Hall of Fame for the state of Wisconsin and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. A number of bright spots in Coach Peterson’s career include two NCCAA national titles (86, 91) and second place in the 26-team Wheaton Invitational (92), losing only to NCAA DI Marquette University. Throughout his 27 years of service to MBBC, Coach Peterson has influenced countless athletes, students, families and opponents for the cause of Christ. His consistent testimony both on and off the mat has led to numerous opportunities to share the Gospel. Ben and his wife, Jan, have four children and are actively involved in their local church ministry where Ben served as Assistant Pastor from 1993-2000.