Waterloo native Chuck Patten wrestled at East Waterloo High School, but admits that "I did not have a distinguished high school wrestling career. I was a four-year letterman and had a decent junior and senior effort, placing in the state tournament, but I was more a part of a tradition that East Waterloo had going at that time, surrounded by quality wrestlers and coach Dave Natvig."

Patten continued his wrestling career at Iowa State Teachers College, compiling a 28-5-2 record in three years, including 10-0-2 as a junior. He graduated from SCI in 1961 and earned his master's degree from the University of Oregon a year later.

He began his coaching career at Exeter Union High School in Exeter High School, leading the team to a state championship in only its second year of competition.

In 1965, Patten took over his alma mater, one of the most successful mat programs in NCAA history. He guided UNI to even more national recognition with 17 consecutive winning seasons and a pair of NCAA Division II championships. His 218-86-8 career record makes him the winningest coach in Northern Iowa history.

Patten coached 16 NCAA Division I or NCAA Division II national champions and 58 NCAA Division I or NCAA Division II All-Americans.

His 1975 and 1978 teams were NCAA DII national champions while his 1970, 1972, 1974 and 1980 squads were runners-up. Patten's teams finished in the top three in 11 of the 18 years he coached.

Patten was a two-time NCAA Division II Coach of the Year and was named Midwest Regional Coach of the Year in 1982.