Binghamton's Josh Patterson

2009 was breakout season for Binghamton's Josh Patterson.  Josh, the Bearcats 184lber, placed 7th at the NCAA Championships making him the first All-American in school history. He also led the nation in wins (46) and falls (22).  After the 2009 season, the prolific pinning Patterson was named the WIN Magazine Schalles Award Winner as the nation's "best pinner".  Recently D1CW was able to pin down Josh Patterson for an interview.

D1CW: Josh, we are about a month away from the start of the season.  How much better are you now compared to this time last year?

Josh Patterson: Well I've been working all summer on the things that I need to improve.  My goal is a National Title, and really I expect nothing less.

D1CW: What specifically are some things that you feel you've needed to improve?

JP: I've wanted to get better on bottom.  Last season there were a few guys that were able to ride me out.  I want to get to a point where no one can ride me.  Getting out and getting that extra point from an escape can make a big difference in those close matches.

D1CW: Last season you earned All-American honors, which was a first for the Binghamton program.  Did the fact that it was a first for the school make it even more special?

JP: Sure.  Being the first All-American is something that no one else will be able to do.  I'm also looking to be Binghamton's first National Champion.

D1CW:  What will it take for you to get to the level of a National Champion?

JP: I'm confident that I will benefit from all the work I put in during this Summer and in the preseason.  I've worked hard enough and improved over the past 3 1/2 years.

D1CW: Will this season be different for you mentally being a returning All-American?  Last year you could have been viewed as a guy from a smaller school just looking to make his mark...

JP: Yes, I'm sure it will be like I have a target on my back, considering what I did last year.  I think that I am prepared for it though.  I know how it feels getting up for a match, trying to be someone who takes out one of the top guys.

D1CW: This summer D1CW conducted a poll of coaches nationwide and they named you as the "Best Pinner".  What does it take to be such as great pinner?

JP: I've worked hard at it since high school.  I've always felt that being good on top was the best equalizer.  If you are good on top you have a chance to beat anybody.

D1CW: How do you feel like Binghamton will do as a team this season?

JP: If we all pull together and wrestle to the best of our abilities, I think that we can be a top-25 team.  We've got some good freshmen coming in off of redshirt, and some other true freshman that should do well.

D1CW: Coming out of high school, why did you choose to attend Binghamton?

JP: Well, it's close to home.  At the time my older brother was here too.  Overall, I just felt most comfortable here.

D1CW: When and why did you begin wrestling?

JP: I guess I was five when I got into wrestling.  My two older brothers were wrestling and I really looked up to them.  After awhile I ended up really enjoying it myself.

D1CW: Thanks Josh!! Good luck this season!!