Mount Pulaski to honor Coach Ed Butkovich at gym dedication tonight

[December 02, 2014]  MOUNT PULASKI - Ed Butkovich came to Mount Pulaski in 1964 and throughout his 32-year coaching career he compiled a record of 546 wins and 275 losses. He led the Hilltoppers to a State Championship in 1976, a fourth place finish in 1977 and a second place finish in 1984.

Butkovich honored posthumously in 2006 as one of the "100 Legends of the IHSA Boys Basketball Tournament." He was one of 22 coaches voted to receive this honor.

Also receiving the Legends honor was one of his players, Jeff Clements. Clements played for Coach Butkovich for three years and was a member of the 1976 State Championship team.

Clements noted that this honor of naming the gym after Ed Butkovich was a long-time coming. "I could not have had a better coach. Somebody that not only taught you the fundamentals of the game but also taught you about life. It's just a well-deserved honor. I am just very proud that I had the chance to play for the guy and got to know him for as long as I did," said Clements.

Coach Ryan Deibert echoed what Clements said, "To me there is no one else more deserving. There is so much respect from the guys that played for him. It's got to be the ultimate honor for him." Deibert was a freshman in high school in 1996, the year that Coach Butkovich retired from teaching and coaching in Mount Pulaski.

Butkovich passed away in 2002 while on an away basketball trip to Poplar Bluff, Missouri. He was traveling with the Lincoln College basketball team and suffered a heart attack. He had been volunteering as an assistant coach under B.J. McCullum at Lincoln College at the time of his death. His widow, Pat, and daughters, Julie and Cindy, will be accepting the honor on his behalf tonight.

According to MPHS athletic director, Kristin Rucks, the presentation of plaques and the revealing of the sign will be after the junior varsity basketball game. There will also be a cake reception after the varsity game in the cafeteria.

The reception will also be a time for people to visit, as it is anticipated that several coaches who coached against Butkovich will be in attendance.

The cake reception will also honor Coach Bob Gasaway, the legendary junior high basketball coach who was recently honored at the Mount Pulaski Grade School gym with a sign that reads "Bob Gasaway Gymnasium." Coach Butkovich was always very appreciative of Coach Gasaway's ability to teach the younger boys the game of basketball and thus contribute to their success at the high school level.

The Mount Pulaski community has been very fortunate to have these two men play such an important part in the lives of so many. It is sure to be a special evening in Mount Pulaski sports history.

[Teena Lowery]