UTSA Will Wear 'Patty' Helmet Decals at Tulane in Tribute to Air Force Technical Sergeant Ian Patterson
The Roadrunners will carry the nickname "Patty" on their helmets in New Orleans on Saturday night, part of a UTSA Athletics tribute to Technical Sergeant Ian Patterson, who died following an incident during a pregame demonstration at the Alamodome on October 17.
UTSA Athletics is taking part in a collective tribute to United States Air Force Technical Sergeant Ian Patterson, who died following an incident during a pregame demonstration at the Alamodome on Saturday, October 17, the university's athletics department announced. As part of the tribute, the Roadrunners football team will wear commemorative helmet decals bearing the nickname "Patty," by which Technical Sergeant Patterson was affectionately known, during Saturday's game at Tulane.
The tribute extends across UTSA's weekend. A moment of silence was observed at UTSA's home volleyball match against UAB on Friday, and another moment of silence will be observed at UTSA's home soccer match against Temple on Sunday, according to UTSA Athletics. The department said it wants to express its respect, solidarity and support for Technical Sergeant Patterson's family, fellow airmen and all those affected by the loss.
The decals will be on the helmets for a demanding road test. UTSA, 6-1 overall and 3-0 in the American, kicks off at 7 p.m. Central at Yulman Stadium on ESPNU against Tulane, 3-3 and 1-1 in conference play, in just the fourth meeting between the programs. Tulane arrives off a 31-17 win over Memphis in which its defense forced six takeaways and recorded seven sacks — the test the Roadrunners' offense, coming off a 38-34 win over Navy, has to pass with the tribute on its helmets.
