By Kathryn Moore
Staff Writer
At left, James Patterson, honorary coach and associate dean of the school of theology and missions, cheers for the Bulldog basketball team alongside assistant coach Trevor Lydic and head coach David Niven during a game against Central Baptist College.
While the Union men’s basketball team met in the locker room before its first game of the season, a fresh face stepped in to join the team. This honorary coach gave the pre-game prayer as well as a word of encouragement to the players before running out onto the court with the team.
This person was part of the Honorary Basketball Coach program, which has been active for about 15 years. It is a way for faculty to become involved in the basketball programs.
Honorary coaches take part in pre-game activities, time-outs, half-time strategies and post game meetings.
Both the men and women’s basketball programs offer this opportunity, and faculty members from each department have participated throughout the years.
“It allows our players to see and talk to other faculty on our campus that want to be a part of what we’re doing,” said men’s head coach David Niven.
Dr. James Patterson, associate dean of the School of Theology and Missions, received the title of honorary coach for the men’s Nov. 10 game against Central Baptist College. He has been serving annually as an honorary coach for both the men and women’s basketball teams for about 14 years.
“Before the game, I made a short statement to the team about playing hard and also how it is important to relax and enjoy themselves,” Patterson said.
Patterson said he participates to show support for Union athletics and the student athletes. He has had an interest in Union basketball since he joined the faculty in 1999.
“I can’t get too wound up here like I would in the bleachers, though,” Patterson said.
Zach Buck, senior athletic training major and guard/forward for the team, said the honorary coaches show the players they have support and that he does not mind the faculty joining their team for the day.
“Seeing how much they care about the team reminds us of the history of our program,” Buck said.
As an honorary coach, Patterson helped lead the Bulldogs to their first victory of the season. They defeated Central Baptist 86-70.
