Peterson: Small-Town Idol who Missed Pro Dream
The Kansas teen on Sports Illustrated cover in 1971, Mike Peterson, now 31, works at a J.C. Penney center in Olathe. He recalls a stellar high school career at Yates Center, one year in minor leagues, and a life shaped by hometown pride and later restraint. Peterson emphasizes hard work, family support, and the value of education over pursuing pro sports.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Doug Tucker
Clathe, Kan
Kansas
Sports Illustrated
Hay Capitol
Mike Peterson
J.C. Penney Distribution
Kansas City
Olathe
Woodson County
Yates Center
Kan
Clarence Newton
Yates Center High School
America
Peterson
American Legion
Newton
University of Kansas
Jim Thorpe
Mike
Emporia State University
Emporia
Dave Bingham
Seguin
Texas
Toros
Emporia State
J.C. Penneys
Olathe Distribution Center
Doris Peterson
Kansas City Royals
Nicole
Cyclones JV Capture Nine Hole Meet Title At Home
Cyclone junior varsity golfers won their home nine hole meet by 12 strokes over Ottawa High led by Doug Rich and Kurt Brunner finishing 1-2. Rich posted 44, Brunner 45 as Ottawa JV players Wes Maier 47 Scott Schulte 52 Byron Goracke 54 and Charlie Winsky 56 also competed.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Topeka
Washburn Rural
Ottawa High
Doug Rich
Kurt Brunner
Cyclones
Forbes
Rural
Santa Fe Trail
Bonner Springs
Rich
Brunner
Ottawa JV
Wes Maier
Scott Schulte
Byron Goracke
Charlie Winsky
Also Mentioned on This Page
Wonder
Expos
Cubs
Chicago
Dan Driessen
Herman Winningham
Bryn Smith
Montreal Expos
Chicago Cubs
Driessen
Winningham
Dennis Eckersley
Smith
Jeff Reardon
Fes
Ottawa Country Club
J. Foulks
D. LeMaster
J. Lindemuth
F. Warnock
M.L. Sheldon
A. Crawford
V. Gilroy
E. Killough
M.A. Moherman
B. Hill
D. Elder
D. South
L. Moherman
P. Wiggins
S. Gillette
M. Cutting
Ron Flora
4Th
Cedar — Mowbray
Mastercard
45Th St
West Des Moines
Franklin County
Williamson and Co
N. Poplar
Ottawa
Williamson
Lincoln
S. Main
FORD
Bronco Ll
J.R. Hamil
Cuina
Lawrence
Mountain