Coach Dan Peters

[zippy5]

I didn't know him, but it's sad news to hear. Sounds like he influenced so many people in a positive way and was a pleasure to be around. RIP, coach.

[johnnyzip84]

My thoughts and prayers are with coach's family and all those he touched during his exemplary career.

[RowdyZip]

Haven't posted much lately but I'm always on the board reading. I heard this sad news earlier in the day from a friend. RIP coach Peters. Truly a fighter and an inspiration to all of us of Zipsnation and beyond. Thoughts and prayers to the family.

[Districtballer]

Condolences to the Peters family and all of ZipsNation who mourn his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[ZIPCODE]

I've known Dan for many years and was well aware of the difficult odds he was fighting

against, but I'm still stunned and saddened by the news of his death. My thoughts and prayers go out to Nancy and the boys at this most difficult time. RIP Dan ...

[Dr Z]

Marla Ridenour of the BJ writes:

When Bob Huggins hired Dan Peters as his assistant at Walsh University in 1981, Huggins found a best friend. “Pete was one of the greatest people ever in the history of our business,” Huggins said in a statement. “Pete was my best friend and confidant from the time we were in our early 20s. I bounced everything off of Pete knowing I would get an honest and intelligent response. I loved the guy like a brother.”

Plain Dealer article.

"A real tough deal,'' Huggins said following an afternoon practice session with the Mountaineers. "I saw him Sunday, and we had luch about three weeks ago. He was talking about me sending him film (to break down). He was really looking forward to it."

Coaches for Cancer, a yearly showcase between YSU, Akron, Can't and Cleveland State was to get off the ground for this season, but schedules for all teams could not be blended. It is expected this showcase will begin next season, in honor of Peters, and rotate annually among the four schools as part of the annual tip-off to the season.

CBS Sports article.

Cincinnati article.

GoZips.com article.

[Hilltopper]

My son was devastated yesterday when he heard the news about coach Pete. When ever he would see my son with me, Pete would always take the time to have a meaningful conversation and answer any questions he had about coaching the Zips. Most coaches are somewhat guarded in what the will say but not coach Pete. Always a smile and a positive attitude. A big loss to our program.

[tboned]

The greatest Human legacy is not what we gain in life, but what we leave behind, The comments so beautifully describe the love and positive presence Pete brought to others. God Bless Him! God Love Him! God Keep Him!

I still have thoughts of my own Father who never coached beyond Highs School. When he passed numerous former players came back to acknowledge the positive life lessons they had learned from him.

[mes102]

I saw this topic had new posts yesterday and was hoping it was a positive update. Couldn't make myself look at it until today. Very sad day in ZipsNation. We've had a really tough year with coaches(and/or family members of coaches) passing away this past year. I remember a few seasons ago, I came to a couple practices in the Fall and it was my first time sitting in on one of their practices. I was nervous, and there wasn't many people there so I wasn't sure if I should have been there or not. I saw Coach Peters and went up to ask him to make sure it was okay for me to be down here to watch the practice. I never talked to him before or anything, just knew he was on the staff. When I asked him, he replied back by saying "Just as long as you're not a scout from K.e.n.t." I couldn't help but smile with that response. He impacted so many people's lives positively, whether it was a one time conversation or an entire life of friendship, family, and/or mentoring. My thoughts and prayers will be with him and his friends, family, and colleagues.

[Valpo Zip]

I never interacted with coach Peters at the personal level, but the love he is getting from everyone speaks volumes about the man he was. May his soul RIP.

[uhgrad2002]

Sometimes I look at what goes on in and around sports and I get fed up with it all. Then I learn of someone like Coach Peters and I am reminded that there is more good than bad, and what is good is so much better. Prayers go out to his family and friends.

[Glib Shanley]

I met Coach Pete years ago when he was an assistant at Walsh College, during the Huggins years. Even though it was very limited, he was the kind of person who left you with the "Hey, what a nice guy" feeling. A few years back he was at my place of employment dealing with an issue for one of the players. I re-introduced myself and he was as genuine and nice as he could be.

As others have said, he is a class act and the legacy he leaves behind reflects what he believed and who he was.

God bless you, Coach. Prayers for all.

[ZachTheZip]

A great story courtesy of Hustlebelt

[Hilltopper]

A great story courtesy of Hustlebelt

Thanks for finding that Zach. It brought a tear to my eye reading it.

There are so many other Dan Peters stories out there just like mine.

Truth!

[Hilltopper]

Huge crowd tonight at Dan Peters calling hours. He was truly loved by everyone who ever met him.