Dexter, Missouri – The Dexter High School welcomes new Head Football Coach Justin Peden.  He is the head coach of the Hayti Indians Football program.

Coach Peden is not a native to Missouri, but is originally from Bolivar, Ohio. This small town is about twenty minutes south of Canton, Ohio.  He graduated from Tusky Valley High School in 1997 and attended Heidelberg College, where he played offensive line.

Coach Peden finished his degree at the University of Central Arkansas, where he was a member of Phi Alpha Theta, an honors society for History majors.  While living in Little Rock he met his wife, Jennifer.  They have been married for eight years and have a wonderful son Jaxson, who is three.

Coach Peden has been at Hayti for seven years, the last two years as head coach.  His team won the SEMO South Conference Title in 2011 with an undefeated conference record.  He was named SEMO South Coach of the Year award.

During his time at Hayti his offense has set numerous school records, including most points in a game in 2012.  He prides himself on running a program that the players and the community can be proud of.  At Hayti he taught American History and American Government, raising the state test scores 45 and 58 percent respectively.

“I am very proud and excited to be named the new Head Coach at Dexter High School,” state Coach Peden.  “I am ready to hit the ground running and put a product on the field that will be exciting to watch and create a sense of pride for both my players and the community.”

“I realize that a great responsibility has been given to me and I do not take that lightly, continued coach.   “I know that with hard work from the coaches, the players, and myself we will be successful.”