Michael Peterson

Michael Peterson was born to the late Ola Mae and Paul Peterson, Sr. and was raised in Elizabeth, where he attended the Elizabeth Public Schools. He loved all sports as a kid, but had a passion for baseball and a love for football. Michael graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1977.

In baseball as a junior he showed promise as an outfielder on the diamond and was recognized as one of the top 100. As a senior Michael was the team captain. He earned First Team All- State, First Team All- Metro (Daily News New York) and the First Team All- County. Michael set a Union County record by smashing 12 home runs which also led the state. The outfielder also has 4 triples, 4 doubles, hit 455 on 41 hits and batted in 38 runs all from the lead off position. IN addition to playing errorless ball in the outfield he stole 32 bases in 33 attempts.

In football as a junior Michael rush for 708 yards, scored 6 touchdowns and was named All- Watchung Conference First Team running back. As a senior he made All- Metro First Team running back. From scrimmage he rushed for 1042 yards and a solid 7.6 per carry average. He scored 18 touchdowns with 2 extra points for a total of 110 points 14 receptions for 289 years 1 punt return and 1 kick off return. Michael and his teammates qualified for the state playoffs where they were the first team to play in the meadowland where he scored 2 touchdowns.

Michael attended California State college of Pennsylvania. He set a division 2 record for the longest punt return in the nation that year.

In 1981 Michael joined the US Army. He was All Army Softball for 4 years while on Selective Service, two years of Armed Forces which participated in The National Softball championship. In 1993 he was deployed to Somalia for Operation restores Hope where he was wounded and relieved the Purple Heart and the army Commendation Medal with the V- Device for Valor.

Michael is currently working for C&S Wholesale Grocery in Woodbridge as a warehouse clerk. He is a very active member and trustee of New Zion Baptist Church of Elizabeth NJ. He resides with his wife, Vivian in Elizabeth and is also the proud father of six children, one stepdaughter and five grandchildren.

<<Back