Veteran coach to lead Trojan boys BB team

New Prague High School has named an 18-year veteran head coach to lead its boys basketball program. 

Dan Peterka, who has a 338-133 record over 18 years at Battle Lake High School, accepted the position Thursday, pending approval from the New Prague Area School Board. 

Peterka will also be a physical education and health teacher for the district. A native of Osakis, he played basketball at Mesabi Community College and was a student assistant at North Dakota State University for three seasons. He also has a master’s in education and leadership from Southwest Minnesota State. 

After two years teaching in Mora, Peterka went to Battle Lake, where he took the Battlers to three state tournaments (2005, ’13 and ’15) and eight Section coach of the year awards. his teams won nine conference championships during his tenure. 

He also served as an assistant football coach during his time at Battle Lake. 

Dan and his wife, Ruth, along with their two children, Eleanor and Francine, are excited about joining the New Prague community and school district. They enjoy spending time outdoors, traveling, and going to as many sporting events as possible.