Strong role in Luther College athletics and coaching (1922-1967)

Early Years

Hamlet Peterson was born in 1897.

Years at Luther

Hamlet Peterson (1897-1973)

Hamlet Peterson, or Coach Pete, is renowned for his role in Luther College athletics. He entered Luther as a student in 1916, but his education was interrupted by his service as a lieutenant in the American Expeditionary Force during World War I. A 1922 graduate, Peterson was asked to teach in Luther’s preparatory department upon his graduation. By 1925, he was coach of the football, basketball and track teams, and later added baseball to the list. He taught both physical education and classical languages in addition to coaching. A member of the Luther faculty from 1922 to his retirement in 1967, he coached football and basketball through 40 seasons. In March of 1958 he was elected to the Hall of Fame (basketball section) of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. In his 1972 book, The Noble Norsemen, Peterson narrated the story of Luther College athletics through the 1960s. Peterson passed away in 1973.

Other Information

Resources in the Luther College Archives

• Luther College 1861-1961 by David T. Nelson
• Stability and Change: Luther College in Its Second Century by Leigh D. Jordahl and Harris E. Kaasa

Works Referenced

• Jordahl, Leigh D. and Harris E. Kaasa, Stability and Change: Luther College in Its Second Century, Luther College Press, Decorah: 1986.
• Nelson, David T., Luther College 1861-1961, Luther College Press, Decorah: 1961.
• Who's Who in the Luther College Archives

External Resources

• Who's Who in the Luther College Archives