Coach Gary Peterson is flanked by men who played basketball under the guidance of his coaching. Despite the nasty weather and slick roads a large number of players trekked from across the nation to come back to Garwin for the dedication of the Court in honor of Peterson’s 31 years coaching at Garwin. Chronicle photos/Margaret Thomsen

Gary Peterson Court was dedicated on January 11 during an Open House honoring the former coach. It was a time of reminiscing and sharing with former players, students, stat gals and families. The weather and roads were not the best, but the spirit of honoring an icon warmed spirits and hearts as a time of fellowship took place during the afternoon. The official moment came prior to the start of the girls basketball game with BCLUW.

GMG Activities Director Jon Reed welcomed the crowd and stated, “…. Gary Peterson finished his coaching career with 478 wins and coached in Garwin for 31 years. Coach Peterson won 13 Conference Championships, 5 Sectional Championships, 2 District Championships and 2 Sub-state Championships here in Garwin. He had 2 State appearances with a 1A State Runner-up in 1983. He was named Conference Coach of the Year 10 times. Coach was inducted into the Iowa High School Athletic Association Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001. It’s with great honor that we take the time today to dedicate the Court in his Honor. From today on the court here at GMG will be known as the Gary Peterson Court.”

A standing ovation followed the presentation as Coach Peterson stood front and center – flanked by former players from across the nation.

Peterson lives in McGregor, IA with his wife Jean. Because of health concerns Jean was unable to come to the dedication. Gary and Jean worked as a team in their interaction with the players. It was Jean who washed and pressed the uniforms after every game. She also provided a home cooked meal at the coaches house if the team kept the score at 42 points or below. The Peterson’s were also noted for the end of year cookout for the team and all the gals who kept the statistics books.

The Peterson’s have one son, Jon. He and his wife Kelly (Fish) Peterson live in the Quad Cities.

The Peterson expertise is still being taught to GMG basketball players as former Peterson players, Dean Aldrich and Justin Hornberg, are currently coaching at GMG. Time has moved forward – but the legacy of Coach Gary Peterson will be forever remembered as young men and women take their turn playing on the Gary Peterson Court.