Charlo's Petersen named Assistant Coach of the Year

In a moment of surprise and delight, Jim Petersen of Charlo High School was awarded the prestigious Assistant Coach of the Year title by the Montana Coaches' Association (MCA). Petersen, who has dedicated over four decades to coaching young athletes, expressed his gratitude for the recognition.

"It's awesome to be honored like that," Petersen said. "When my head coach knocked on my door and told me to check my email, I thought I was in trouble. But then I found out I wasn't in trouble at all."

The MCA holds a noon-time banquet in Great Falls as part of the coaches' clinic, where coaches from various events and sports are acknowledged for their outstanding contributions. Petersen's recognition as Assistant Coach of the Year in track and field, football, basketball, and wrestling is a testament to his versatility.

With an impressive coaching career spanning 46 years, Petersen's passion for track and field began when he assisted his father-in-law, who coached in Albertson. Petersen has been involved in the sport for 43 consecutive years.

Charlo became Petersen's coaching home 17 years ago, and he has coached track and field, football, basketball, and wrestling for the Class C school. "The people from Charlo have been great,” he said. “It's been a wonderful exchange, and I feel fortunate to have been a part of this community."

Petersen began his 44 years consecutive years of coaching in Thompson Falls, where he coached football, basketball and track, primarily at the junior high level. He then moved to Roy, Montana, where he spent three years coaching football and basketball while assisting with track and field.

Subsequently, he moved to Albertson, pursuing an extended degree in elementary education. During that time, he also continued coaching on the sidelines.

After his stint in Albertson, Petersen relocated to Endsdale, where he spent seven years coaching basketball and achieved a remarkable milestone. In 1988, he was the assistant girls' basketball coach when the team won the state championship in a thrilling triple-overtime game.

Petersen's coaching journey then took him to Scobey, where he coached high school boys' basketball for several years and had the opportunity to coach girls' basketball during the fall season. He also coached track and field, which helped expand his knowledge in the high jump, long jump, triple jump, and hurdles. The head coach, Larry Anderson, also made him a pole vault coach, which he previously didn't have any experience in. He has since coached the event for 30 years.

In 2006, Petersen found his way to Charlo, since his wife Susan is from there. For the Vikings, he coached junior high football, basketball and wrestling. He also took on the role of track and field coach, working under the guidance of head coach Brett Thompson. Their efforts paid off handsomely, with Charlo winning multiple state championships and consistently securing top placements.

Reflecting on track and field, Petersen emphasized the importance of individual growth within the team environment.

"Every year is new, and what happens each year is different," he said. "It's an individual sport with a team aspect. You can be a part of their success and witness their journey."

Petersen credited his success to the exceptional athletes he has coached over the years in Charlo.

"We have had some great kids with great attitudes," Petersen said. "It is great seeing kids getting excited about doing well – the small little successes, the improvement on things."

Petersen said he suspects Charlo's coach Eli Redeker nominated him for the award and added that Redeker has been spectacular to work with.

While Petersen retired from teaching this year, he hasn't decided about coaching.

"We will see how it goes," Petersen said. "I hope to still do a little bit."