For the last decade the McLouth softball program has been not only one of the best throughout Northeast Kansas but also one of the best throughout the entire state.

The key to the success of the Lady Dawgs for the past 14 years has been from the leader of the program and head coach Ballard Patterson who Thursday afternoon was given one of the most prestigious honors, as the softball field at McLouth was re-named Patterson Field.

Coach Patterson’s record speaks for itself, as the 14-year head man has a career record of 277-46 and to this day has sent 38 athletes to the next level to continue their careers.

“That’s what I’m most proud of,” Patterson said in an email. “I’ve been very fortunate to have coached so many great young ladies during my time at MHS. I’m very humbled and honored to have the field named after me, and I’d like to thank the administration, school board, my assistant coaches, players and the community for this honor.”

Coach Patterson has been at McLouth since 1992 and was the football coach for 11 years from ’92 to 2002.

So far this season he has coached the Lady Dawgs off to a 10-4 record and has helped McLouth lock up the No. 3-seed in their home regional.

Patterson and McLouth will look to finish the season strong and punch a ticket to the state tournament, as the Lady Dawgs are set to open up the regional tournament Monday against Valley Falls at 4:30 pm.