Tallassee’s Thomas Patterson Ascends to National Wrestling Prominence
A rising star in the world of amateur wrestling, Thomas Patterson of Tallassee, Alabama, recently secured a Greco All-American national championship, going undefeated with an 8-0 record at the tournament. This victory underscores the dedication and rigorous training required to excel in the sport, and signals a bright future for both Patterson and the Tallassee wrestling program.
Patterson’s journey in wrestling began at a remarkably young age, around five or six years old, when he discovered a natural affinity for the discipline. Now a high school junior, he has already achieved the status of an Alabama state champion and a national All-American.
“I think the grit you have to have is one thing about wrestling,” Patterson explained. “Like if you’re not in the gym constantly working, and if you’re not putting in the work outside of wrestling, like eating right, you’re not going to be able to perform at the high level that you want to.” This commitment to holistic training – encompassing physical conditioning, nutrition, and mental fortitude – is clearly a cornerstone of his success.
A Decade of Dedication
Over the past ten years, Patterson has accumulated a wealth of wrestling memories, but his Alabama state championship remains particularly special. “I think it was a long, long time coming,” he said. “I definitely worked for it.” He also highlighted the significance of team achievements, specifically winning both the Dual team state and traditional state championships with Tallassee this year. “I think that our team, as hard as we worked this year, we deserved it and it was really a memorable moment for me.”
According to Patterson, the feeling of winning an individual state championship is unparalleled. “Getting up off the mat and celebrating, looking over and seeing my whole team on the side of the wall just cheering me on,” he recalled. “The celebration hit me and I hugged Coach Mask. I remember how loud it got in there from everybody cheering.”
Dominating Performance at AAU Scholastic Duals
Building on his recent successes, Patterson further demonstrated his prowess this weekend at the AAU Scholastic Duals, achieving a 9-2 record and earning another All-American title. He described his final match as his most impressive performance of the tournament. “It was a kid from Ohio, a state champion, really good wrestler. I just went out there (and my coaches) were like, ‘You deserve this, you need this. Let’s go get your name on the board.’ And I went out there and completely demolished them. Destroyed them.”
Under the guidance of Coach John Mask, Patterson is rapidly establishing himself as a standout athlete within the Tallassee wrestling program. While his future remains unwritten, his unwavering passion and demonstrated grit suggest he is poised for continued success and could become one of the program’s most decorated wrestlers.
