DON BUTCHER, '50

 After coaching Saddleback College (Mission Viejo, CA) Gaucho linebackers for 29 years, Coach Butcher has taken his experience from the sidelines to the front office where he coordinates the daily operation of the football program.

Butcher was a highly successful linebacker coach, developing four conference Defensive Player of the Year recipients at Saddleback in Jeff Pease (’92), Scott von der Ahe (’93), Joe Cesta (’96), and Jimmy Ellingson (’03). He has coached numerous all-conference performers and 13 J.C. Grid-Wire All-Americans.

Acting as the liaison to the major college recruiters, “Butch” has been instrumental in helping over 350 Gaucho football players obtain scholarships to accredited four-year universities.

Butcher played football at Belmont High School in Los Angeles, California and at Los Angeles City College where he was offered a free agent contract by the Baltimore Colts. He has also served as a pro personnel scout for the New England Patriots.

Currently an associate faculty member teaching weight training and conditioning courses, he is a top recruiter, motivator, and teacher who remains extremely popular with his former players.

In March, 2007, Butcher was inducted into the California Community College Football Association’s Hall of Fame.