Fred Petersen started the wrestling program at West Torrance High School in 1962, and served as the head coach while the school pursued a full-time coach. He was also a high school and community college wrestling official for over 25 years. Fred refereed at the first CIF state high school tournament, and refereed the state junior college and high school masters tournaments for 14 years. Fred also refereed numerous NCAA Pac-10 dual meets, and served as president of the South Bay Wrestling Officials Association for over 15 years. He also served as the director of the CIF Southern Section Wrestling Tournament. Fred was a math teacher at West Torrance High School and also served as the head football coach for more than 25 years, and as the school's athletic director for over 20 years.