PETERSON FIRST DOWN RUSH -- PETERSON TOUCHDOWN BLOCK

Wheaton, Ill. – On a field far different from the McCully Stadium surface they once called home, a pair of Wheaton football alums have found an air of familiarity within their professional football careers. Playing in his second season in the Arena Football League (AFL), December 2013 graduate Jesse Peterson is in his first season with the Cleveland Gladiators. The fifth-year head coach of the Gladiators is 1984 and Wheaton Hall of Honor inductee Steve Thonn. Last year, Thonn led the Gladiators to a conference championship and an appearance in ArenaBowl XXVII.
 
Currently on the inactive roster for the Gladiators due to an injury, Peterson (PICTURED RIGHT) played his first season in the AFL last year with the New Orleans VooDoo. Prior to his injury this season, Peterson, an offensive lineman, had recorded two carries for 15 yards, in addition to his blocking duties for the Gladiators' high-powered offense.
 
Peterson played four seasons at Wheaton from 2009-12. He was a tight end for the Thunder in his first two seasons and moved to the offensive line for his junior and senior campaigns. He earned All-CCIW recognition at offensive tackle in 2012.
 
An All-American during his time with the Wheaton Crusaders, Steve Thonn went on to play six years in the AFL as a wide receiver/defensive back for the Albany Firebirds and Chicago Bruisers. Thonn was the head coach of the Houston ThunderBears from 1998-2001 before leading the Georgia Force to an appearance in ArenaBowl XIX as the offensive coordinator.