Hall of Fame

Buddy Patey

R.L. "Buddy" Patey

  • Class
  • Induction
    2000
  • Sport(s)

R.L. "Buddy" Patey began his officiating career as an Umpire in the OVC at the age of 26, making him one of the youngest college officials in the country.

He would bea Chief Umpire in both the OVC and the SEC, working numerous postseason games.

After his on the field retirement in 1977, he was named Supervisor of OVC Football Officials, a position he held for 22 years.  He selected, hired and assigned all officials for every OVC game during that time period.