Dr. James A. Peterson, Ph.D, FACSM, ’63

CHRONOLOGY

Born February 24, 1943
1963 to 1966, Attended UC Berkeley, Graduated with B.S. in Marketing
1963 to 1965, Led SAE Cal Beta to 3-straight overall intramural titles
1970, Received M.S. in Physical Education, University of Illinois
1971, Received Ph.D. in Physical Education, University of Illinois
1971 to 1990, Professor, Department of Physical Education, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York
1990 to 1995, Director of Sports Medicine, StairMaster Sports/Medical Products, Inc., Kirkland, WA
1995 to Present, Sports Medicine Consultant; Founder and Publisher of Monterey Bay Video Productions (MBVP), CoachesChoice.com, and HealthyLearning.com
Jim and his wife, Sue, were married in 1968 and currently reside in Monterey, CA

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Jim has authored or co-authored over 80 books and more than 200 published articles on a variety of coaching- and health-related subjects. Two of the books he co-authored are Bill Walsh: Finding the Winning Edge with Bill Walsh and Brian Billick and Competitive Leadership: Twelve Principles for Success with Brian Billick.
Since 1997, Jim has served as a contributing editor to ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal (Take 10 and Save column). He has also appeared on several national television shows, including ABC’s Good Morning America, the CBS Evening News, and ABC’s Nightline, as well as authored an op-ed piece for the New York Times.
Since 1992, Jim has served as a fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation®.
Jim has also been very active in helping raise funds for several branches of the Boys and Girl Clubs of America and for the SPCA of Monterey County.
Over the years, Jim has organized numerous Big Game reunions for Cal Beta brothers of the ‘60s and has provided employment and publishing opportunities for several of his fellow Brothers.

HONORS & AWARDS

Received the Karpovich Honor Award from the University of Massachusetts, Department of Exercise Science
Winner of the Citation Award from the American College of Sports Medicine
Inventor/holder of three FDA approved sports medicine patents related to the BackMate, a device that strengthens the back and reduces pain and disability.
Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine
Only person in the world who was an instructor for all four key generals in Iraq and Afghanistan—David Petraeus, Stanley McChrystal, Ray Odierno, and Cloyd Austin.
Designed the gym in Bill Gates’ house.

MBVP, COACHESCHOICE.COM & HEALTHYLEARNING.COM

“Coaches Choice” is the imprint of instructional education materials for coaches. The company targets a wide assortment of team and individual sports.
MBVP also publishes instructional materials for health, fitness, medical science, wellness, and youth development professionals under the “Healthy Learning” imprint, on topics such as health, wellness and exercise. Many of the titles published by Healthy Learning were produced in cooperation with a number of leading institutions in their areas, including: American College of Sports Medicine; American Council on Exercise; Medical Fitness Association; American Camp Association; IDEA Health & Fitness Association; International Health, Racquet, & Sports Club Association; National Athletic Trainers’ Association; and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

TESTIMONIALS

Jim Peterson was a great brother and friend during our time at SAE. One of the people that everyone enjoyed being around—even during Hell Week when Jim played a key role in some of the events. He was a talented athlete and instrumental in organizing the brothers and leading them to the Intramural Championship several years. I specifically remember him playing on the house handball, soccer, football, track, and basketball teams among others.

Starting in the mid-90’s, Jim took it upon himself to organize annual Stanford Game get-together’s of Cal Beta brothers from our years at Cal. He would handle contacting the brothers and arrange blocks of hotel rooms, dinners, tailgates, and block seating at the games. He spent a lot of time and personal expense in providing a venue for renewing old friendships that otherwise had lapsed.

Jim has a heart of gold and was always showing concern about brothers who were encountering difficult times. He encouraged one brother, John Sullivan, to write a detailed 460 page history of “The Big Game” and then published it under that title in 1983. Later when John was terminally ill, Jim arranged an overnight trip of about 10 brothers to have dinner and spend a day with John in Chico. Along with all of Jim’s accomplishments, he also embodies many of the ideals of a True Gentleman. And he’s got the best sense of humor I’ve ever encountered.

- Doug Wenger ‘63