Indiana Tech has hired Brad Peterson to coach men’s and women’s cross country. The university will add the sport to its athletic slate in 2007.

Peterson has coached cross country at Concordia Lutheran High School for nine years.

“I’ve always wanted to coach at the college level,” Peterson said. “This is the perfect opportunity at the perfect time.”

Peterson will have a familiar face helping out – his father, Northrop coach Barrie Peterson, will be the assistant coach. The elder Peterson is retiring after his 41^st year of coaching this season.

Indiana Tech’s cross country teams will begin competition in fall 2007, and Brad Peterson is already busy with recruiting. The goal is to have 10 men and 10 women in the first season.

“We’re focusing on Indiana for now, and we’ve gotten started with some Ohio kids,” he said.

The Petersons also will coach track and field when the university begins that program in 2008.

The addition of new athletic teams is part of Indiana Tech’s strategic plan to increase offerings in both academics and student life. The university also will add men’s and women’s golf in 2007, after reviving women’s volleyball in 2005 and men’s and women’s tennis in 2006.

Students who are interested in enrolling at Indiana Tech can contact the admissions office at (260) 422-5561 ext. 2205 or (800) 937-2448.