Team Peterson wins

The Peterson kids were spread out over several classes at West Valley High School. Between oldest brother Bryan, Mitch and sister Leah, high school graduation is spread out over the years.

College graduation will be different: It will be spread out over days. Bryan will graduate from Whitworth, Mitch from Washington State and Leah from Pacific universities.

It’s as though Mike and Robin Peterson’s children have become triplets.

“It’s funny that we’re all graduating at the same time,” Bryan Peterson said, laughing. “I know we didn’t plan it that way.”

In many ways it is a fitting end.

Both Bryan and Mitch saw their college football seasons, and careers, come to a close just a few days apart.

Bryan took a circuitous route to Whitworth. Drafted out of high school by the Boston Red Sox, he gave baseball a serious effort before returning home and enrolling at Whitworth and playing quarterback for the Pirates.

“I think it helped me that I had my baseball experience before I got to Whitworth,” he said. “I learned what it means to be a professional athlete. I think I was more mature when I got here and was better able to handle what you need to do to play quarterback.”

A four-year starter, Peterson enjoyed a record-breaking senior season. He set NCAA Division III records for most completions in one game (58) and most consecutive passes without an interception (82). He also set Whitworth records for single game passing yards (580) and total offense (559). His six touchdown passes in one game tied another school record.

“I have really enjoyed this past season,” Bryan said. “We had a new coach this year, Rod Sandberg, and he is the most energetic coach I’ve ever played for. He has the best attitude and I just loved getting the chance to play for him.”

After his final game, Peterson was surrounded by family for a joyous celebration of his college career.

“It was such a great way to end my career,” he said. “To have my family there was perfect, because they’ve always been so supportive of everything we do.”

Mitch Peterson also took a baseball diversion before tackling a college football career.

“I loved playing baseball, but there’s something about playing football that I just love,” Mitch said. “I just had to do it while I had the chance.”

Peterson’s career as a Washington State University football player was the hard road. He began as a walk-on for head coach Paul Wulff.

The life of a walk-on is as tough as it gets. There is no scholarship, so all costs are out-of-pocket, including food at the team training table.

Under coach Mike Leach, Peterson earned a scholarship, and for his senior season he found a new role by shifting from safety to linebacker.

“I think playing linebacker is more like how I played safety in high school,” he said. “I was never a prototype defensive back. I was too big, and I used my size to my advantage. I was able to attack at the line of scrimmage and make tackles.

“I like to get in and wrap guys up. I think there’s a right way to play the game, and that’s how I’ve always tried to play it.”

Peterson led the Cougars in tackles against Rutgers in the season opener in Seattle. Despite breaking bones in his hand, he came back after missing just two games.

For his hard work getting back on the field two weeks after surgery that left a pair of pins in his hand, Peterson was named the lone WSU captain for the Cougars game with Oregon. And for “doing this the right way,” on and off the field, Leach named him the lone captain for the season finale in the Apple Cup against Washington.

After the season he was given the J. Fred Bohler Award as the Cougar who embodies the inspiration of the former Cougar great.

“I loved running out for that last game and having everyone there, including my brother,” Mitch said. “I was so glad that Bryan was able to be there. My sister’s volleyball career had already ended and she was there, too. My family has always supported us all, and I can’t think of a better way for it to come to an end.

“It’s all been worth it. The bumps and bruises and broken bones. I wouldn’t change a bit of it.”