At five years old, most kids are learning to read. It’s also the age when the young Patrick Latchana learned to sail—the first of his family to do so. A small sailing camp along Lake Huron was just commencing in the Upper Peninsula where Patrick’s family spends their summers. He took to the sport eagerly, and now a decade later, he is a freshman at West Catholic and the first Falcon to represent the school in competitive high school sailing.
Patrick describes the sailing community as “close-knit and very friendly,” which is part of the sport’s appeal to him. When he began his high school career, he wanted to incorporate his sailing passion with his school life, but there wasn’t an existing sailing team at the school. With the help of Athletic Director Mrs. Megan Pittman and the support of his parents, Patrick established the first West Catholic representation competing under MISSA (Midwest Interscholastic Sailing Association). Mrs. Pittman even assisted him in acquiring WC Sailing apparel to sport on spirit days and to help spread the word about this new opportunity for students.
While Patrick personally competes in regattas three out of four seasons of the year, sailing is considered a fall sport for high schoolers. As the school sailing season now concludes, Patrick isn’t slowing down. He’s now gearing up for the downhill ski season—not to mention his involvement playing violin for his orchestra! He feels fortunate to participate in a robust variety of activities and credits his parents, who he considers role models, for being his biggest supporters and helping him pursue his passions.
Looking ahead, Patrick hopes the West Catholic sailing team will grow in the years to come. He already knows of a few enthusiastic students planning to participate next fall. Patrick looks forward to his brother also joining the program next year as an incoming freshman. The two of them hope to create a strong foundation for a thriving program by the time they graduate. Patrick remarks that he is grateful for West Catholic’s openness to and support of the new sailing team. Our school is proud of student leaders like Patrick for pioneering new avenues for opportunity. Way to go, Patrick!!
