Patton was the architect of National Championship swimming team during the 1970’s at Alfred State. Patton led the Pioneer men’s swimming and diving teams to four straight NJCAA titles.
During his tenure, Alfred State became a national power. On top of coaching the team to four straight titles (1971-1974) he coached two NJCAA Swimmers of the Year – John Meade (1972) and Paul Eaton (1975), was named NJCAA Coach of the Year three times, and had 19 athletes named All-Americans during the championship years.
Alfred State was the 1st team to ever win four championships in a row and the Pioneers were the last men’s team to win the national title other than Indian River CC.
Patton also served in numerous positions in the NJCAA Swimming Coaches Association (secretary, treasurer, and president) and the Western New York State Swimming Coaches Association (president). He also was the assistant coach for the United States team in the World University Games.
He went on to coach at the University of Iowa where he became the winningest coach in school history. He coached the Hawkeyes to six undefeated seasons in the Big Ten, led his team to two Big Ten Championships, guided his team to 16 top 25 finishes at the NCAA Nationals, and coached 11 Olympians. He was honored for his outstanding achievements by being inducted into the Iowa Athletic Hall of Fame.
