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OTTUMWA -- Kevin Patterson has been named the Ottumwa girls basketball coach.

Patterson was introduced Monday morning by Athletic Director Dave Clement at the Ottumwa High School.  Prior to coming to Ottumwa, Patterson coached two years at Logan-Magnolia where he was also the athletic director.  In his two seasons, he led the school to a 38-7 record.  In the 2008-2009 season, he was the head coach at Cardinal High School where he led the program to its best record in school history at 16-8.

The 30-year-old is a 1999 graduate from Collins-Maxwell.  He received his bachelors degree at Central College before getting his masters at Fort Hays State. 

Logan-Magnolia is a 2A school in Iowa.  Ottumwa is one of the largest schools in the state in the 4A class.  Patterson doesn’t believe this will be an issue in transitioning at Ottumwa.

“It’s a step up for me but the girls, that’s what they’re used to playing,” said Patterson.  “It’s no different for them.  They go play a 4A game.  That’s all they’ve played is 4A.  When you’re coaching kids that have been through the battle, especially as experienced as this senior class (is), what an opportunity to come in with those kids that are three years varsity-tested.”

Coaching in the CIML has been a long-time goal for the newest Bulldog coach.  He can’t wait for the opportunity to make some noise come next winter.

“It’s the best conference in the state.  I always wanted to coach in the CIML.”