Vadal Peterson

Vadal Peterson (1892-1976)

Teams coached: Utah Utes
Utah record: 385-230 (.626)
Overall record: 385-230 (.626)

Career Accomplishments:

• NCAA National Championships:  1  (1944)
• NCAA Tournament Appearances:  2  (1944, 1945)
• NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen:  0 
• NCAA Tournament Final Four:  1  (1944)
• NIT Championships:  1  (1947)
• NIT Appearances:  3  (1944, 1947, 1949)
• MSC/Skyline Regular Season Champion:  2  (1938, 1945)
• RMAC Regular Season Champion:  1  (1931)

Coaching Career (head coach, unless noted):

1927-1953

Utah

Vadal Peterson Facts

• Vadal Peterson
• Born May 2, 1892
• Died September 1, 1976
• Hometown: Huntsville, Utah
• Alma Mater: University of Utah (BA, 1920)
• Played basketball, baseball and football at Utah; coached by Thomas Fitzpatrick in basketball
• Started his coaching career in Salt Lake City, coaching Latter-Day Saints HS for seven seasons
• Returned to alma mater Utah in 1927, where he would coach the Utes for 26 years
  • Went 385-230 with the program, winning the 1944 NCAA title and 1947 NIT title
    • Became the first head coach to claim both NCAA and NIT championships
  • Won three conference titles (one RMAC and two MSC/Skyline)
• Married twice, first to Elvira (1914-1951, her death) then to Melva (1952-1976, his death)
  • Passed away at age 84 in Salt Lake City, survived by Melva and two sons, Pete and Ray

Vadal Peterson Coaching Tree

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