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St. Gregory's Patton named finalist for national award - KVOA Tucson News
TUCSON - For more than a decade, student athletes at St. Gregory College Preparatory School have been fortunate to learn lessons in basketball and life from Coach Darrell Patton. For his work in developing young people on and off the court, Patton is the only Arizona coach to be named a finalist in the Positive Coaching Alliance Double-Goal Coach Awards.
Patton, who is also director of the Tucson Magic Basketball Association, has helped lead the St. Gregory boys' basketball team to two state championships as assistant varsity coach.
He is one of 50 national finalists for the award, which honors coaches for "serving youth in their communities through the Double-Goal Coach model of pursuing both wins and the even more-important goal of teaching life lessons through sports.'' The non-profit organization, with headquarters in California, will announce the winners later this month.
"As a coach, Darrell epitomizes the principles of good sportsmanship, a strong work ethic, and a love of the game,'' said Tucson mom Toni Zlaket, whose son plays basketball for "Coach P.''
"I believe that Darrell truly demonstrates his love of sports and coaching through mentoring,'' she said. "He is kind, selfless, and inspiring - the type of man that you want to be part of your child's life.''
Jonathan Martin, head of school at St. Gregory, said Patton is an integral member of the school's team of teachers, coaches and role models that develop students into outstanding members of the community.
"Darrell helps students learn to be successful by showing them how to navigate life's challenges,'' Martin said. "Character-building is crucial in all aspects of life, and the students fortunate enough to work with Coach P. learn lessons in character every day.''
Patton, a coach for more than three decades, has coached middle school, junior varsity and varsity boys' basketball at St. Gregory for 10 years. He has served as director of Tucson Magic for 15 years, coaching children from second grade through high school.
Working with families and faculty, Patton said the team approach helps students thrive.
"Whatever is going on in their lives, we make it all work through basketball,'' Patton said.
St. Gregory is an independent school for students in grades six through twelve, with no religious affiliation.