Peters, a native of Lima, Ohio, was a three-year varsity cross country letterman at Shawnee High School from 2002-2004. In 2004, he was named to the Western Buckeye League Second Team and was a regional qualifier while also winning his team’s Coach’s Award.

"Mike has the potential to be a very good runner,” said MVNU head coach Chip Wilson. "He had a very successful high school career, and he brings some experience to a very young group. He will be a great addition to this team with his running ability, but also more importantly with his personality. I am anxious to see what he can do as a runner at the collegiate level and as a student at MVNU.”

In addition to running cross country at Shawnee, he was a member of National Honor Society. He has also served as a middle school cross country coach the past two years. His personal best time in a five-kilometer race is 17:26, which was set at the Coldwater Lions Invitational in 2004.

"My main reason for choosing to attend MVNU has been God’s influence in my life,” said Peters of his college choice. "I entered college originally without seeking His will. After allowing God to take over, I began looking at Christian schools and really felt God’s push towards MVNU.

The MVNU cross country program was reborn in the fall of 2006 after not having a program since the 1979 season. The Cougars were very competitive in their first season back culminating with a 13th-place finish out of 22 teams at the National Christian College Athletic Association national meet to finish out the year.