Taylor Remembers Hall of Fame Coach Paul Patterson

Taylor Remembers Hall of Fame Coach Paul Patterson
(Written by Jim Garringer, Taylor University Director of Media Relations)

UPLAND, Ind. – Paul Patterson, Taylor University’s Hall of Fame men’s basketball coach led his team to more than 700 wins, numerous conference championships and a Final Four, died Monday at the age of 78 after a lengthy illness.

Coach Patterson ended a 34-year career at Taylor after the 2012-2013 season. During his tenure, the Trojans won 734 games and 15 league championships. The team made 14 trips to the NAIA National Tournament, reaching the Sweet 16 twice and the Final Four once in 1991.

Patterson’s teams posted 28 winning seasons, won at least 20 games in 23-of-34 campaigns and registered 10-straight years with 25-or-more victories from 1984 through 1994.

Patterson was named Coach-of-the-Year 12 times and was the NAIA National Coach of the Year in 1991. Patterson is also a member of the NAIA, Taylor, Hanover College, Indiana Basketball, Grant County and Hammond Sports Halls of Fame.

When he retired in 2013, Patterson ranked second in wins among all active NAIA Division II men’s basketball head coaches, 11th among all men’s basketball collegiate coaches on any level and tops among all collegiate men’s basketball coaches in the state of Indiana.

Patterson’s student-athletes picked up 24 NAIA All-American honors and every individual who played four seasons for him at Taylor earned a college degree.

Patterson is survived by his wife, Phyllis, two children, Shannon Patterson and Michelle (Chris) Bombei, two granddaughters, Maddie and Emily, his brother Steve (Marcia), sister-in-law, Pam, and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may show their love and support from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Monday, September 27 and from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Tuesday, September 28 at Jones Crossing Banquet Center in Mooresville, Indiana. A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, September 28 at the banquet center.