Jack Butcher
Loogootee High School
Impact Statement
“You become appreciative of your fellow coaches because you know how much work you put into it and you know how much work they put into it.” -Jack Butcher
Biography
Butcher retired from coaching this year as the all-time leading winner in basketball-crazy Indiana. In 45 seasons as the head coach at Loogootee High, the school from which he himself graduated in 1951 as its all-time leading scorer, Butcher won 806 games, an average of 18 victories per season. Coaching at one of the state’s smallest schools, with a four-year enrollment this year (2002) of 324, Butcher’s 1975 team reached the title game of Indiana’s single-class state tournament and also qualified for the tournament in 1970.
Loogootee High had only two losing seasons during his 45-year career. Butcher was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991, and Sports Illustrated magazine also recognized Butcher’s distinguished career with a mention in its “Faces in the Crowd” section this year.
On December 23, 2015, the Indiana Pacer honored Butcher during their Hickory Night, which honors individuals that have contributed to Indiana basketball.
Photos
