Doug Peiffer

Doug Peiffer, a 1982 DeWitt graduate, was a two-sport letter winner in wrestling and cross country. His focus, dedication, and discipline led to success in academics and athletics. It was during his sophomore seasons when Peiffer had his first taste of success at the state level. That year, in his lone season of running cross country, he helped the Panthers to a seventh place finish in the state meet. His real passion, however, was on the wrestling mat. As a sophomore, Peiffer earned third place at 98 pounds in the Class C state meet after being called for an illegal hold in his semi-final match. He went on to win the Class C State Championship as a junior, wrestling at 105 pounds and successfully defended that title at 126 pounds as a senior. He finished his high school wrestling career with an incredible 127-33-1 record. In addition to being a two-time state champion, he was a three-time league champion, a three-time All-Area selection, a three-time state qualifier, and a three-time All-State honoree. After one year at Saginaw Valley University, the school’s last before dropping its wrestling program, Peiffer earned a scholarship to wrestle at Siena Heights University, a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). As a junior, the team placed 34th in the NAIA National Championships, with Peiffer placing eighth and earning All-American status at 190 pounds.