Bobby Patton (2019) - Hall of Honor - Texas State Athletics

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Bobby Patton

Class
Induction

2019
Sport(s)

Athletic Training

Dr. Bobby Patton has been involved in Texas State athletics since first enrolling at the University in 1960, he is credited with starting the professional program in Athletic Training at Texas State in 1972, the longest active Athletic Training program in the state of Texas.

Gallery: (1-1-2020) Bobby Patton Hall of Honor

Upon his graduation from Texas State in 1962, Patton was hired by Milton Jowers as the first Bobcat head athletic trainer. He held onto that distinguished role until 1977 when he transitioned into the Director of Sports Medicine. Patton served in that role until 2008. Dr. Patton is the first ever Athletic Trainer inducted into the Hall of Honor. In his role with Bobcat Athletics, Patton worked directly with thousands of student-athletes and their coaches.

Patton earned his Bachelor of Science in Education at Texas State in 1962 before completing his Master of Education with a concentration in administration education and physical education in ’63. He would go on to earn a Doctor of Education in college teaching/physical education from North Texas in 1969.

Patton While handling duties as the head athletic trainer, Patton worked his way through the academic ranks as well. He began his career as an assistant instructor from ’62-’64 before moving into a role as an instructor through 1967. Over the next six years he would be promoted to assistant professor and associate professor. Since 1976, Patton has worked at Texas State as a Professor of Athletic Training. In August of 2013, he was named Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Athletic Training. He has also served as a program director, interim chair, and associate chair within the department. He retired from Texas State in 2013.

Patton has earned ample recognition and awards during his illustrious athletic training career. He was presented with a Fifty Years of Service Award from both Texas State University and the National Athletic Trainer’s Association (NATA) in 2013. He was inducted into the NATA Hall of Fame in 2012. The year prior, in ’11, Patton was named to the Alamo Area Athletic Trainer’s Association Hall of Fame. In 2004, he was granted a Distinguished Alumni Award from Texas State and was named the Distinguished Athletic Trainer of the Year by NATA. His first Hall of Fame induction came in 1995 as he entered the Southwest Athletic Trainer’s Association Hall of Fame.

Patton has stayed highly active in the San Marcos community throughout his career. He served on the Booster Club for baseball, basketball, football, and soccer at San Marcos High School during much of the 1980’s. He volunteered 10 years on the Board of Directors for the American Heart Association in Hays County, while also serving as the Program Director. In the 70’s, Patton spent many years as a volunteer coach for baseball, football, and the Optimist Junior Olympics. He was a President of Kiwanis in 1981-1982 and a member for 40 years.

He has served as a charter member of the Texas State University Bobcat Club since 1972. Patton was the Bobcat Club President from 1975-77, the Treasurer from ’77-83, and was a member of the Board of Directors from 1975-97. He was also received the first honorary membership from the “T” Association in 1977.

Patton has made many generous donations to Texas State, including the Bobby Patton Endowed Athletic Training Scholarship.
He and his wife Mary-Jo, who was a Strutter, have been married for 56 years. They have two sons, Bob and Bill, and two grandchildren, Crockett and Maddison.

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