(Neola, IA) — There is something nice about being called a defending state champion but daunting as well. Tri-Center returns A.J. Harder at Quarterback and big time wide receivers in Cael Witt and Zach Nelson but the Trojans move up to Class 1A and will have to find a replacement for All State Running Back. They also have a new head coach. Steve Pedersen had been the right hand for Ryan Schroder and he moves up to the top spot — he says Tristin Gunderson was going to the starter at RB but he has an injury and is out for the season. So, he will look at two juniors — Kane Daughenbaugh and Adan Goldapp
In the off-season re-districting, Tri Center was bumped to Class 1A. Grundy Center was the 1A champ last year and they are not going anywhere and last year’s 2A champ West Lyon moved down to 1A this year. The Trojans are in District 8 with conference rivals Missouri Valley, Treynor and Underwood plus future Western Iowa Conference members Red Oak and Shenandoah. All that doesn’t make Peterson’s job any easier
Petersen was pleased with the turnout in the weight room and how everybody responded during the summer. One thing he is focusing on is getting off to a good start — last year the Trojans lost to AHSTW in week one and Petersen does not want that this year
Tri Center will scrimmage AHSTW on Friday, August 22 and open the season hosting St. Albert on Friday, August 29.
Complete Interview with Head Coach Steve Peterson
