For Immediate Release: December 14, 2005
Contact: John Hartrick (hartrick@binghamton.edu)
Phone: 607-777-6800

Family Ties: BU wrestling adds another Patterson for 2006-07
Wayne standout Josh signs NLI, will join older brother at BU

VESTAL, N.Y. - Binghamton University wrestling coach Tony Robie has started his 2006-07 recruiting efforts with a bang, landing an elite wrestler with family ties to the University. Wayne Central senior Josh Patterson (Ontario, N.Y.) has signed a national letter of intent and will join his brother, current freshman Nate Patterson, in Robie's program beginning next fall.

Patterson enters his senior season with a 172-21 career record. He placed third at the state high school championship as a junior (160 lbs.) and went on to win the NHSCA Junior National Tournament in Cleveland. He is currently ranked first in New York and seventh nationally among 171-pound seniors by Wrestling USA magazine.

"We're obviously very excited about Josh joining the program," head coach Tony Robie said. "He had an outstanding junior year and is the type of kid that will make an immediate impact for us. He's a strong physical kid with a very aggressive style of wrestling that will help him make the transition from high school to college wrestling. Josh will compete at either 165 or 174 pounds."

Josh is the youngest of three Patterson brothers who starred at Wayne Central High. Nate is currently 8-6 in his first collegiate season with the Bearcats - and has a team-best four dual match victories. Oldest brother Mike also was a member of BU's wrestling team in 2003-04.

"I was looking at a few other schools," Josh said. "But I wanted to wrestle with Nathan and be pretty close to home."