Patrick Houlihan followed soccer to find his home at Madison College, where he turned out to be one of the best offensive players in the school’s history. Looking for some direction and purpose, he found that and more in his hometown of Madison.
At Edgewood High School, Patrick played soccer and baseball, but it was on the pitch where his game truly shined, helping the Crusaders reach the WIAA State Tournament. Patrick arrived at Madison College two years after graduating high school and joined a soccer program fresh off a school-record 19-win season. Under the direction of head coach Jeff Richardson, Patrick and the WolfPack went 14-3 in 2000, including putting together an eight-match win streak en route to an undefeated record and a Wisconsin Technical College Conference championship. Madison College went on to defeat UW-Rock County 1-0 to win the Wisconsin Junior College Athletic Association title before losing in the NJCAA District Championship, one game away from the national tournament. Patrick led the team with 15 goals, which currently ties for 11th most in a season in school history. He was rewarded with all-conference, all-state, and all-Region 13 accolades, while also earning Team MVP and Mr. Offense awards.
Patrick left Madison College after that first season to join the workforce, but again the midfielder found himself back in a WolfPack kit as the 2002 season rolled around. Now a juggernaut under coach Greg Gilson, Madison College rolled to a fifth-straight WTCC title and went 11-4-1 in the regular season. A come-from-behind victory over UW-Washington County produced a fourth-consecutive WJCAA crown, and a 6-0 blanking of UW-Fond du Lac secured the Region 13 banner for the fourth year in a row. However, for the second time in his career, the WolfPack, ranked #15 in the NJCAA Division III Poll, would lose the NJCAA District Championship on home soil. Patrick produced another 15 goals, setting a new career record for goals scored at Madison College. He also added nine assists and was named all-conference and all-region, and won the team’s Best Offensive Player award.
At the end of his time at Madison College, Patrick held records for goals scored with 30 and total points with 69, a number that could likely be higher as assist totals remain missing from his freshman season. The records stood for 15 years before being broken, and he now ranks third in both categories, as well as tied for 25th in assists.
Patrick completed his education in Fire Safety at Madison College and began working as a firefighter. He has spent the past 19 years with the City of Des Moines Fire Department, where he serves as a Lieutenant. He eventually furthered his education with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science Administration from Waldorf University and a Master of Public Administration Degree from Drake University. He and his wife Sara live in Woodward, Iowa, with their daughter Dakota. In his spare time, Patrick can be found enjoying lake life, time with his family, doing property maintenance, and working out. He’s even become quite good with a hockey stick in his hands.
When asked about his time at Madison College, Patrick said,
“As a floundering adult in my early 20's, I didn't have focus or direction. Attending Madison College and playing soccer brought discipline back to my life. It was actually a teammate who convinced me of the fire services courses at the college, which provided a springboard into a fire service career. My time here as a student and playing soccer was the turning point in my life. I found my passion for the fire service and was able to play soccer at a very competitive level. I have gained lifelong friends through my time at Madison College and still stay in touch with several team members.”
