Little Rock, AR — At Joe T. Robinson High School, excellence on the wrestling mat has become the standard, and at the heart of that success are varsity wrestling coaches and brothers, Keilan and Grant Patterson.
Now in their third year leading the Robinson wrestling program, the Patterson brothers have guided the team to extraordinary results, with multiple students placing at regionals and qualifying for the state tournament each season. Their consistent success, commitment to athletes, and strong culture have positioned Robinson Wrestling as one of the most respected and rapidly rising programs in Arkansas.
Beyond wins and titles, Head Coach Keilan and Assistant Coach Grant Patterson are making history as the only all-Black high school wrestling coaching staff in the state of Arkansas. In a sport where Black representation among coaches remains limited, the brothers are reshaping what leadership looks like and showing young people what is possible through hard work, integrity and perseverance.
Coaches Keilan Patterson (left) and Grant Patterson sit together
“Our goal has always been bigger than medals,” said Keilan Patterson. “We want our athletes to believe in themselves, not just as wrestlers, but as young men and women who can succeed in whatever they pursue. Wrestling is the tool, but character is the foundation.”
Grant Patterson echoed that sentiment. “Our goal is to build champions in life first. The medals are a bonus. Wrestling gives us a platform to teach resilience, responsibility, and self-respect. If we can help shape strong young men and women, the rest will take care of itself.”
Their impact is perhaps best reflected through the athletes they coach.
Senior team member Carter Bittle joined the team during Keilan Patterson’s first year as head coach. Despite Carter never having wrestled before, he qualified for the state tournament in his very first season. Now a team captain and returning state qualifier, Carter credits the brothers for helping.
“Coach Keilan and Coach Grant believed in me before I believed in myself,” Carter said. “They pushed me every day, kept it real, and never let me quit. Because of them, I’ve learned what I’m capable of, on the mat and in life. I’ve never had to question their commitment to the team. They deserve all the praise.”
Carter Bittle and Head Coach Keilan Patterson
Since taking over the program, the Patterson brothers have emphasized discipline, accountability, and family. Practices are structured but supportive, expectations are high, and relationships are at the center of what they do. Athletes are challenged to be leaders in the classroom, in competition, and within the community.
Joe T. Robinson Athletic Director Todd Eskola says the Patterson brothers have made a lasting impact that extends well beyond the wrestling room.
“The continued growth of the Robinson Wrestling program, under the leadership of Keilan and Grant Patterson, has been fantastic to watch,” Eskola said. “Not only has the participation grown, but we now have a girls wrestling team competing! I look forward to our student-athletes competing in the state meet and following the continued success of the program in the future!”
Administrators, parents, and students credit the brothers with increasing participation in wrestling, elevating expectations, and instilling pride in representing the Senators.
Silas McGaha’s hand held high as the winner of a match
Sophomore Silas McGaha, who placed second in regionals, is headed to state competition. This is his second year on the team.
“Coach P and Coach Grant are two of the best coaches that a wrestler could ask for. They put so much effort and passion into the sport they love and want their athletes to succeed, sometimes more than the wrestler does themselves. Coach P cares a lot and always wants to prove that we are the best. This is what I love about him. He's motivating and will go to the ends of the earth to make sure we are doing everything we can to get better. Coach Grant is also an amazing coach. He's always trying to learn more and help teach us how to wrestle better. He’s always there and is always motivating us and giving us advice. We would be a broken team without either one of these coaches, and I am so thankful to have them and wouldn’t have it any other way,” said McGaha.
Travin Forrest said, “Our coaches make all of us feel like family. They love to push us to where they know we are supposed to be, and I’m proud to say they are my friends.”
Brittany Post is Travin’s mother. She said, “You can see their passion for the sport, but you can also see the love that they have for our kids. We are very grateful for both of these guys.”
Assistant Coach Grant Patterson speaks with students from the bench
The Pattersons have multigenerational representation within the Pulaski County Special School District. Their father, Damian Patterson, serves as the principal of Wilbur D. Mills University Studies High School and has previously served as assistant principal at Maumelle Middle School, Joe T. Robinson, and Mills High. Both of their parents are longtime Little Rock residents and actively involved and supportive of both Robinson’s wrestling program and its athletes, reinforcing the family-centered values the brothers bring to coaching.
As Black History Month honors leaders making history through service and influence, Keilan and Grant Patterson continue to leave a lasting mark. They are proving that leadership, representation, relentless dedication, and heart can change lives, one match at a time.
State Tournament Information:
The 2026 Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) Wrestling State Tournament is scheduled for February 13–14, 2026, at the Jack Stephens Center at UALR. Coach Keilan and Coach Grant Patterson, along with six male and two female athletes, will represent Joe T. Robinson.
Robinson Varsity Wrestling Team Roster 25-26
*️ = State Qualifier
Coaches
Grant Patterson
Keilan Patterson
Girls
Valeria Benitez
Emily Pasman
Gracie Pasman
Jenna Kattom*
Kierra Phillips*
Samantha Gaither
Guys
Cache Billingsley
Carter Bittle*
Liam Davis
Dale McDaniel*
Cooper Martinez
Nathan Moreland
Justin Moody
Silas McGaha️*
Kingston Pratt*️
Haeden Rabeneck
Damon Salley*
Thomas Smith*
Travin Forrest
Managers
Kaydynn Cook
Malee Williams
Peyton Moody
Vivienne Rollins
Cecelia Ward
Photo credit: Mark Littrell, mal_photography@sbcglobal.net
