Hall of Fame
Joel Peterson, played football for Malone from 2000-2003, and is one of only five Pioneer running backs to
ever rush for at least 1,000 yards in a single season.
The two-time All-MSFA Mideast League Honoree is Malone's all-time leader in career rushing attempts at 628. He ranks second all-time in numerous categories including: career rushing yards (2,762), career rushing attempts per game (19.6), single season rushing yards (1,165 - 2001), single yards per game (116.5 – 2001).
Peterson totaled thirteen games with at least 100 rushing yards during his career, and ranks fourth all-time in MU history with 3,190 all-purpose yards.
His career high of 223 rushing yards against Urbana in 2001 stands fourth all-time in program history.
Peterson's career was also highlighted by receiving the 2002 James Rupe Award which recognized his unselfish qualities.
Joel graduated from Malone with a B.S. in Physical Education and has been employed by his alma mater Field Local Schools upon his graduation. He serves as an educator and coach. He has coached football since 2005 and has also been the head baseball coach since 2012. During his time as a head coach he has been named coach of the year in four different seasons as well as accumulating over 150 wins. In 2010 he went on to earn his M.S. from Walden University.
Peterson currently resides in Suffield Township with his wife Robyn (Rodocker '04) and their three young and active children, two sons Grady (born in 2010) and Rylan (born in 2014). They also have a daughter named Lyla (born in 2016).
