University of St. Francis (III.)

"It's better to giveth than taketh away" so the old adage states. But for one of Pat Sullivan's inaugural recruits for the College of St. Francis basketball program, Patterson found wealth in both categories. Despite playing the role of small forward during those early years, his 419 rebounds in the 1977-78 campaign still ranks as the all-time single-season high despite only his 6-1 stature. He also mans three of the first four spots in terms of most rebounds in a single game, including his 23 vs. Rockford College on November 23, 1976, which ranks No. 1. His 565 career rebounds leaves him ninth on the all-time list, despite only the two seasons of competition. In terms of giving, Patterson did just that during his two-year stint with the Saints after transferring from Thornton Community College and still does in his community of Harvey, where he resides with his wife, Roberta, and their two-year-old son, Julius Charles. As a player, he recorded 114 assists (5th on the single-season list), but, more importantly, as a person, he has given back to his community in several youth programs, without the aid of having any children involved himself. Today, he serves as the Vice-President of the Harvey Little League after working in the Biddy Basketball League for eight years. His initial start in youth athletics came prior to that when he served as a head coach for Washington Elementary School in Harvey. An All-Conference selection as a senior, Patterson, who is currently employed as an electrician for Commonwealth Edison in University Park, finished his career averaging 10.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game.