Andy Peterson, the associate head coach of the Maranatha Baptist Bible football program, has been named head coach. Peterson, 30, will take over from Terry Price, who will step down as the head coach but will remain with the team as an assistant coach working with the offensive line.

Price was 116-134 in 26 seasons, including 1-9 this past season. The 14-6 win against Rockford to close the season snapped a 33-game losing streak.

Peterson is pleased with the opportunity to take the reins from Price. “I feel like there is a good foundation to build on already,” Peterson said. “We’re excited to see the football program continue forward.”

Every assistant coach from the 2010 season — Curtis Malmanger, Clayton Morrison, and Phil Price — plans to return for 2011.

“It’s a huge deal to have Coach Mo, Coach Phil Price, Doc Mal, and Coach Price returning as assistants next season,” Coach Peterson said. “We will continue to have a lot of knowledge and experience as a coaching staff.”

Price is retiring from the head coaching position after serving as the head coach at Maranatha from 1985-2010. “I am excited for Maranatha, for Andy, and for the future of football here and am looking forward to serving as an assistant to Andy working with the offensive line,” Price said. “Andy was an outstanding player and student of the game, and he brings a wealth of football knowledge. I have tremendous confidence that he will do an excellent job.”

Athletic director Rob Thompson is thankful for the years Price has ministered as the head football coach and looks forward to this next phase of the football program.

“Words alone cannot express the gratitude and appreciation that we extend to Coach Price for his many years of service to Maranatha as the head football coach,” Thompson said. “He has demonstrated great character and perseverance amid overwhelming obstacles and seemingly insurmountable difficulties in maintaining a competitive program.

“We are excited to have Coach Peterson take over the football program,” Thompson added. “Andy has demonstrated an ability to recruit players, and it will be exciting to see how and where he leads the football program.”

The 2003 Maranatha graduate returned to Maranatha in 2009 to serve as the head football coach of Maranatha Baptist Academy and as the head wrestling coach for the college.

Peterson came back to Maranatha after serving on staff with the Western Michigan football program in 2008 and was an assistant coach at Greenville for three seasons prior to moving to Michigan.

Peterson was a standout linebacker for the Crusaders and played professionally for the River City Rage (St. Charles, Mo.) for two seasons. 

In addition to his football duties, Peterson serves as the head coach of the wrestling team and will oversee the PHIT wellness program and play a major role in athletic recruiting at the college.