Don Patterson steps down
Bill Welt
Issue date: 9/28/09 Section: News
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"He's a warrior that he battled the cancer," said athletic director Dr. Tim Van Alstine. "But the lingering effects of all the other treatments essentially took a heavy toll on him."
Patterson was diagnosed with tonsillar cancer in July 2008 and appeared in only four games last season. His treatments have eliminated the cancer, according to his last check-up, but the lasting effects of the treatments have proven as a heavy burden for Patterson.
"Even though my last check-up revealed that I am cancer-free, the lingering effects of radiation and chemotherapy have impacted me more than expected," Patterson said.
Patterson did not want his health issues be too much of a distraction for this year's football team.
"Right now the most important thing is for our Leatherneck football team and coaching staff to focus on winning our game against Southern Illinois, and eventually a Missouri Valley Football Conference Championship this season. I didn't want them focusing on me," Patterson said.
Patterson underwent chemotherapy last year and was forced to miss the Leathernecks' first seven games of the season.
Offensive coordinator Mark Hendrickson served as acting head coach in place of Patterson last season and will take over as interim head coach this fall.
"He's (Hendrickson) been with our football program for a long, long time, and he's been with Coach Patterson for a long time as well," Van Alstine said. "I think he can handle the transition. At the same time, I hope that Mark puts his footprint and his influence on the program as well."
Van Alstine expects Hendrickson to remain at Western next season as the 'Necks' permanent head coach.
"We fully expect that to happen."
Patterson is still expected to be an active participant with the football program and the athletic department.
"You don't want to throw away all of those years of experience and those years of knowledge," Van Alstine said. "He knows athletics, he knows student-athletes. I am confident that there is a pledge for Patterson in college athletics."
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
wiu bb 31
posted 9/30/09 @ 10:14 AM CST
According to the WGEM website, Coach Patterson was relieved of his duties. If he truly was asked to resign because of performance issues and then it was orchestrated to appear that he resigned because of health issues, I think you have a scandal brewing. (Continued…)
Go_Necks
posted 9/30/09 @ 12:26 PM CST
I saw the WGEM-TV report. Sounds like Coach Patterson was forced out.
What a classless act by the Athletic Department.
Perhaps President Goldfarb needs to get his "broom" out and sweep that place clean. (Continued…)
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