Two of the best friends that Garden City Community College has ever had. Wanting to give something back to the school where their son received his education, they have been instrumental in developing the GCCC baseball program, Williams Stadium, the Broncbuster Baseball Academy, and have established a series of academic and athletic scholarships. Their generosity has been extended far beyond the athletic department, reaching into the development in the area of Fine Arts, Science, and the Student Union.

Harold “Pat” Patterson
1951-1952

An All-American Junior College Center in basketball in 1952, he lettered in football, basketball, and track at Garden City. At K.U. he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. He played professional football in the Canadian Football League for 14 years and was named Outstanding Canadian Professional Athlete in 1956. He has often been called the finest athlete ever to come out of Garden City. While in Garden City, he played for Coach Ed Hall.

John Lightner
1967-1968

One of the elite junior college wrestlers of all time, he was the first two time NJCAA Wrestling Champion at Garden City Community College. He was awarded the Outstanding Wrestler trophy in the 1968 National Tournament as he pinned every opponent he faced. He also won the Gorrarian Trophy, awarded for the greatest number of falls in the least total time. First Team All-American in 1967 and 1968, he transferred to Oklahoma State University where he had an outstanding career. Inducted into the NJCAA’s Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1981. Qualified for the Olympic Trials in 1968 and 1972.

Gene Keady
1955-1956

A Junior College All-American as a football quarterback, also excelled in basketball and track. At K-State he lettered in football, basketball, and track. Presently Head basketball coach at Purdue University, he was named Big Ten and National Coach of the Year in 1984 and 1988. Also was Gold Medal Coach of the 1979 National Sports Festival and 1989 World University Games. His teams at Purdue have won three Big Ten Championships. He also has coached at Hutchinson Junior College, the University of Arkansas, and Western Kentucky.

Coach Ed Hall
1946-1952

A graduate, and the first three sport letterman at the University of Kansas, coached basketball at Garden City Community College from 1947-1952. During this time, GCCC won three consecutive state titles, captured two Junior College Regional Championships, and finished third and fifth at two appearances at the National Junior College Basketball Tournament. His reflections upon his years of coaching can be summed up in his comment, “Garden City is a dream town to coach in. The people there are great.”