COACH
John Petersen’s coaching career in volleyball and basketball set the gold standard for girls athletics. He built Columbus Scotus into a volleyball dynasty, winning 15 state championships and seven runner-up trophies in a 36-year span (1973-2013) that included 28 state tournament appearances. Nine of his teams went undefeated. Including a brief stint at Newcastle, Petersen compiled a 863-136 volleyball coaching record. In 23 years as basketball coach (1975-99), Petersen’s teams reached four state finals, winning three state championships. He compiled a 353-148 record. He was awarded nine Coach of the Year honors, including the 2012 National High School Athletic Association National Coach of the Year award.
