From Bunkie to the Hall of Fame

Warren Patterson Jr. to be inducted into Northwestern State University’s N-Club Hall of Fame on Oct. 24.

By Amy Ducote

From leading the Bunkie High Panthers to district championships to guiding the Northwestern State Demons to the national stage, Warren Patterson Jr. has always been a winner.

Patterson, a 50-year-old Bunkie native, will be inducted into the Northwestern State University N-Club Hall of Fame on Friday, Oct. 24, in recognition of his outstanding career as a Demon quarterback and his continued impact in the community.

The induction ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. at Magale Recital Hall in Natchitoches, followed by recognition during the 2 p.m. NSU homecoming game at Turpin Stadium.

"It's an incredible honor to be recognized by a university that means so much to me," Patterson said. "Northwestern State helped shape me, and I'm proud to represent Bunkie and all the people who have supported me along the way."

Patterson played quarterback at Bunkie High from 1990 to 1994, helping lead the Panthers to district championships in his final two seasons. His leadership, poise and playmaking ability made him one of the most recognized athletes in Avoyelles Parish during his prep career.

He continued his success at Northwestern State, playing quarterback for the Demons from 1994 to 1998. Patterson led NSU to Southland Conference championships in 1997 and 1998 and helped the Demons reach the FCS semifinals in 1998 - a historic run that remains a highlight in program history.

Patterson finished his career as one of the most productive quarterbacks in NSU history. He remains in the university's top 10 in career touchdown passes with 29, ranked fourth, and passing yards with 3,851, ranked eighth.

After college, Patterson played professional arena football from 1999 to 2005 in Texas, Louisiana and Tennessee, continuing a football journey that began on the fields of Bunkie.

Today, Patterson lives in Bunkie, where he stays active in the community. He serves as RYLA counselor for the Bunkie Rotary Club, was recently named Bunkie Rotarian of the Year, and works for Restaurant Brands International.

Those who know Patterson describe him as a leader on and off the field, someone who continues to give back to the community's that helped shape him.

"Warren has always represented Bunkie with class." said a former coach and community member.

"His success at every level is a testament to his hard work, character and the strong foundation he got right here at home."