A legendary figure in the world of high school athletics, Coach Pat Simpson has left an enduring legacy through his exceptional contributions as a wrestler, coach, and mentor. A proud graduate of Father Ryan High School, Class of 1974, Coach Simpson was a key member of Father Ryan’s State Champion wrestling teams in 1971 (freshman year) and 1974 (senior year). His excellence on the mat continued at the collegiate level, where he became a trailblazer for Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). He won the NCAA Regional Championship in 1979—making history as the only MTSU wrestler to claim a regional title—and became the first Blue Raider to compete in the NCAA Championships, a remarkable achievement that would set the tone for his future as a coach.

In 1979, Coach Simpson returned to his alma mater, Father Ryan, where he would dedicate himself to building a powerhouse wrestling program that has since earned legendary status. As the head wrestling coach at Father Ryan from 1979 to the present, Coach Simpson has led the team to 22 State Championships—12 in traditional wrestling and 10 in duals. Under his leadership, Father Ryan has become one of the most successful wrestling programs in the state, with 63 individual state champions who have collectively won an astounding 93 state titles.

In addition to his success on the mat, Coach Simpson has been a pillar of leadership in the athletic department. His coaching excellence extends beyond wrestling; he served as the head softball coach at Father Ryan from 1987 to 1997, leading the team to its first state championship in 1995 and a runner-up finish in 1996. Over his 11 years at the helm of the softball program, he accumulated more than 190 wins and built a foundation of excellence in multiple sports at Father Ryan.

In 2006, Coach Simpson was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for his "Lifetime Service to Wrestling," a fitting honor for a coach whose contributions have shaped the careers of countless athletes. He was also named National Prep Coach of the Year by the National Wrestling Coaches Association on two occasions, in 2016 and 2023, an extraordinary achievement that highlights his sustained excellence in coaching.

Coach Simpson was inducted into the Middle Tennessee State University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2021, becoming the first wrestler to earn this prestigious honor. This recognition places him alongside some of the greatest athletes in MTSU history, including his former teacher, Boots Donnelly (Father Ryan Class of 1961).

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2025
Category: Coach