Peterson was a FILA Junior National Greco-Roman champion this past spring. Last summer, Peterson captured a Junior National Greco-Roman title (171) and became a Junior National freestyle All-American (189) in Fargo. He is also a two-time state runner-up and Cheesehead Invitational champion. Peterson projects as a 184-pounder in college.
Peterson becomes the third InterMat Top 100 recruit from the Class of 2012 to commit to Wisconsin, joining St. Paris Graham (Ohio) wrestlers Isaac Jordan and Ryan Taylor.
InterMat caught up with Peterson and talked to him about his decision to commit to Wisconsin and more.
Devin Peterson (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)Peterson: I'm pretty good friends with Jesse Thielke. That played a big part in my decision. Barry Davis came over the other night and we talked. There was a lot on the table to pass up and I just can't leave Wisconsin.
After the coaching changes in Madison, you're certain that Thielke is going to honor his commitment to attend Wisconsin?
Peterson: Yeah, he is. Barry flew out last night to Colorado. If you look on Jesse Thielke's Facebook and Destin McCauley's Facebook, they're all in. That's what it is. They're all in ... and that means they're coming to Wisconsin. We all talked to each other about it. Those two are staying and I'm coming.
What did you think of Donny Pritzlaff and Jared Frayer leaving Wisconsin?
Peterson: At first, I saw it as a big problem. But I was just patient and waited to see what coaches would be coming. Kyle Ruschell is coming. He's the new assistant coach as of today.
Did you consider any other colleges besides Wisconsin?
Peterson: Yeah, I looked at Michigan. The coaches talked to me. I talked to Donny today. I'm pretty positive he wants to come back to Wisconsin in a couple years. It was hard for him to leave. I'm hoping he'll come back in a couple years and we'll be here waiting for him.
I'm sure you take a lot of pride in Wisconsin wrestling. How important was it to you to stay in your home state for college?
Peterson: It's pretty good. I just didn't feel like leaving Wisconsin. I don't want to be far from home. I'm only two hours away from home and it's going to be easy for my dad to watch me. It just feels good that I can represent the state that I've lived in.
You chose not to take your official visits and committed early. Why the early decision?
Peterson: I didn't want to deal with any of that. I can just go to Wisconsin and put my focus there. It gives me a head start on everything.
Devin PetersonPeterson: I hope to win the (FILA Junior) World Championships next year. That's what I'm shooting for.
You have had national success in all three styles. You were a Triple Crown winner at the Cadet level. Do you favor one style over another?
Peterson: I don't know. I like freestyle. I'm pretty good at it. Greco is easier, I guess. But I like doing them all. I just like wrestling.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals in wrestling?
Peterson: I'm hoping to win the NCAAs at least twice. After college, I'm going to shoot for the 2016 and 2020 Olympics. That's what I'm going for.
Do you plan on wrestling in Fargo later this month?
Peterson: Yes.
What weight class do you plan to compete at in Fargo?
Peterson: I'm probably going to go down to 171 for Greco and then go up to 189 for freestyle.
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