DePaul University Athletics
Cross Country, Track & Field Welcome Peterson as Assistant Coach
8/3/2016 12:00:00 AM | TRACK AND FIELD
CHICAGO - DePaul cross country and track & field head coach Dave Dopek announced on Wednesday the addition of former Olympian and two-time NCAA champion Derrick Peterson as an assistant coach for the Blue Demons. Peterson comes into DePaul with over 15 years of coaching experience.
The Columbia, Mo. native recently spent a year at Columbia College (Columbia, Mo.) as the assistant men's and women's track & field coach where he assisted in the building of Columbia's first full track & field team. Before his time with Columbia, Peterson was on the coaching staff at Missouri for five years and was a volunteer for six years. He coached three USA and one Jamaican Olympic Trial qualifiers and six NCAA All-Americans.
"We are very excited about the hiring of Derrick Peterson as our cross country and distance coach for this upcoming season," said Dopek. "His commitment to support the growth and education of student-athletes, while developing competitive excellence on the track, makes him an excellent addition to our coaching staff."
In 2004, Peterson qualified as a member of the US Olympic team in the 800m and was also a member of the USA Indoor World Championship team. In the years prior, Peterson was a USATF finalist in both the indoor and outdoor 800m (2003) and USATF indoor champion for the 800m (2002).
"While it is obvious that Derrick has had tremendous success throughout his collegiate and professional career, what I am most excited about is his vast knowledge base and passion for coaching cross country and track & field," stated Dopek. "He is a coach that will bring a wealth of knowledge and competitive experience to our program. This experience as a successful coach and highly successful athlete, will serve him well as he looks to guide our student-athletes towards the success that is necessary to compete in the BIG EAST Conference."
Peterson ran four years at Missouri where he claimed two NCAA championships in the 800-meter event (1999). He was also a six-time NCAA All-American, nine-time Big 12 Conference champion and American collegiate record holder for the indoor 800m in his time with the Tigers.
Representing USA at the World University Games, Peterson won three medals between 1999 and 2001. The Columbia, Mo. native was part of the 4x400 team that won gold and took home bronze for the 800m in 1999 and earned a silver medal for the 800m in 2001.
"I'm really excited about joining the DePaul family and the opportunity to work with the cross country and track & field teams," said Peterson. "I'd like to thank Athletics Director Jean Lenti Ponsetto, Associate AD Doug Bakker, head coach Dave Dopek and the search committee for allowing me to return to my roots of middle distance and distance."
Peterson graduated from Missouri with a bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management in 2002 and is a certified member of the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.