Elk River Football Chain Gang Member Celebrates 50 Years
ELK RIVER, Minn. (WCCO) -- There's a man in Elk River that goes by the name Tarz Peterson. It's a nickname that's been around so long nobody knows him by his real name.
But for anyone who goes to the Elks' high school football game, they know him as the man who moves the yardage chains. It's a job he's been doing for longer than most have been alive.
"Fall is a fantastic time of year. Hunting and football, all that good stuff," Peterson said.
Every town has its characters, and Elk River's is a man called "Tarz."
"At the swimming beach, Dale Brown started calling me 'Tarzan,'" Peterson said.
He's since traded tree ropes for football chains. Peterson has worked the sidelines of the Elk's high school games since Lyndon Johnson was president.
"I started in 1964, down at Bailey's," he said.
Local sports are his passion. When Peterson wasn't holding football yardage chains, he was managing the golf course by summer and ice arena in the winter.
"It's very enjoyable and I used to know all the kids, but I'm lucky if I know any of them now. I know some names but few. Elk River is always growing," Peterson said.
It's given him a front row to some incredible talent and thrilling games. He remembers one in particular.
"I remember the game when we beat Cambridge, Jeff Hawkins was playing and he was fantastic," Peterson said.
Former football coach Terry McLean said working the chains isn't the safest way to volunteer.
"I'm surprised he didn't get run into more, he doesn't move too quickly anymore. There is a skill to getting out of the way," McLean said.
Soon, the plaque that honors his 40 years of service will tack on another 10. Five decades of dedication to local sports, with no signs of slowing down.
"I don't plan on quitting as long as I can get around," Peterson said.
This Wednesday night, Peterson will be recognized for his half century of volunteer service. Elk River will play Blaine and at halftime, the applause will be all his.