Daniel Patton knows firsthand the benefits of having positive male role models in his life. In middle and high school, the 24-year-old Asheville native had a football coach named Shane Laws who helped instill in him “thoughts of family, brotherhood and always giving 110 percent no matter the outcome.” Patton recently returned to his alma mater, A.C. Reynolds Middle School, for a teaching and coaching internship working for his former mentor.
He got to coach football for a semester, while completing credits toward his Associate in Science degree in Teacher Preparation at A-B Tech. He also received an academic achievement award for excelling in academics, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Education Department Chair Tamara Wolfe highlighted Patton’s skill at serving as a positive role model for young adults.
“He is always looking for new ways to engage students and connect with them on a personal level,” she said. “(He) knows that health and PE can be uncomfortable and intimidating for teenagers, and he is committed to planning lessons that are accessible for all students.”
Before college, Patton worked in the hospitality and construction industries and nearly pursued a degree in construction management. He completed two semesters at Western Carolina University in his early twenties but left feeling unsure of his path. “I never succeeded or had a good experience,” he said. “Honestly, a lot of people doubted me, thinking I would never graduate, and I wanted to prove them wrong.”
Patton said his dad played a role in encouraging him to go back to school. “He was always telling me growing up, you finish what you start,” he said.
Drawn to physical education and coaching, Patton started taking education classes at A-B Tech and soon found he felt more at home on campus. Patton, who has ADHD, thrived in small classes where he was able to get to know his classmates.
“The more classes I took, the more I was locked in. It truly sparked a burning passion inside like never before!” he said.
Patton also loved his time coaching at A.C. Reynolds Middle School and points out that the team finished the season undefeated, 10-0, and won the conference while he was there. “I was blessed to get to be a part of such an experience, and for that I just want to thank no other person than Coach Shane Laws,” he said. Patton credits Laws, who retired in December, with teaching him good leadership by example.
“He wasn’t just a coach,” he said. “He actually spent time with his players and built the relationship over time in the off-season, so by the time it was the middle of the season and times were tough, he knew he could count on them.”
Patton has taken advantage of his two years at A-B Tech by also completing teaching certificates that will boost his resume in the future. He’s become certified in everything from reading fluency and phonics instruction to K-3 writing and data-driven instruction. He credits all of his instructors, especially Wolfe as his advisor, for helping to support him along the way. “I truly can’t thank her for all she has done for me in the short year I’ve known her,” he said.
Patton is on track now to attend Appalachian State University this fall to complete his Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education with a minor in Coaching. He then plans to return to Buncombe County to work as a P.E. teacher and football coach.
Looking back on his experience at A-B Tech, the ambitious student admits juggling work and school wasn’t always easy, but he said staying focused on his passion got him through.
“(Being in school) felt like it was a complete 8-to-8 job Monday through Friday,” he said. “But as my dad always told me, ‘If you love what you do in life, then you will never work a day in your life’. I have found that to be very true when it comes to coaching!”