Barry Patterson knows what it is like be first. In 2002, Patterson coached Cushing High School to its first state wrestling title in 69 years. In 2003, Cushing won its first state dual team title ever. In 2004 and 2005, Cushing won both the traditional state title and the state dual team title, and from 2007 through 2009 they won three consecutive dual team titles. Patterson has a career dual meet record of 133-24 during his tenure as head wrestling coach at Cushing High School"”a career that went from 1996 through 2009. His numerous awards include the 2005 NWCA Oklahoma Coach of the year, 2009 Oklahoma Coach of the Year, and 3A Coach of the Year three times. Patterson, a former state champion for Cushing High School, currently serves as athletic director at alma mater. For his outstanding career as a high school wrestling coach, the Oklahoma Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame honors Barry Patterson with its Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award.