Recruiting Report: Maguire Petersen (2018)

Hutchinson’s Maguire Petersen could lineup at any number of positions on the field during his varsity tenure. Now the Tigers senior has a similar amount of options where he could continue his athletic career at the next level. Petersen played at least a half-dozen positions during his career at Hutchinson – from cornerback to wide receiver and running back to punter. He was most effective at receiver, however, achieving new school records in receiving touchdowns, receptions and yards. “I’m deciding between going Division III for football or Division I in track and field,” Petersen said via email. “The option of doing both track and football at the D-III schools is on the table too.” The three-time All-District player earned interest from FCS-level programs early in the recruiting process. He said his main goal was to play receiver at the next level, however, which narrowed his options to Division II and Division III before his senior season – a season that went off-script because of an ankle injury. Hutchinson started 2017 with six-straight victories, only to lose three of its final four games. Petersen said he gained some perspective from the adversity. “It was an ending we did not wish for,” said Petersen, who's No. 47 in <a href="http://www.northstarfootballnews.com/2018-prospect-rankings">NFN's Class of 2018</a> rankings. “Being a captain, I had to lead my teammates in many aspects of the game, especially when I sat out a few games.” Petersen is also accomplished in track and field, which has Big Ten programs in contact with him about being a decathlete. He qualified for the state tournament in the high jump as a sophomore and junior, breaking the Hutchinson school record with a 6-foot, 6-inch leap. He also was a member of the Tigers 4 x 100-meter relay team that advanced to state. Coach Andy Rostberg said Petersen’s pure athleticism was his best attribute on the field, which was enhanced by his work in the weight room since his first varsity start as a sophomore. “He became more versatile on both sides of the ball,” Rostberg said via email. “Maguire has the absolute ability to take over a game offensively.” Even with multiple scholarship offers from NSIC schools, Petersen recently narrowed down his college football options to St. John’s and St. Thomas – two powerhouse programs from the MIAC. “Their facilities, locations, and football programs really impressed me,” said Petersen about the Johnnies and Tommies. “I also looked into their location, success in past years, how quickly I would be able play, and player's experiences who attend or have gone there.” Whether it’s a Division III or Division I career, Petersen said he’ll make his final decision in February. Academically, Petersen said he’s interested in studying biology and/or business in college, with a career aspiration in the medical field. He indicated earning a great education is his priority, as well as being presented with unique opportunities within the institution he chooses.