Set to begin his 43rd season on the sidelines, Dr. RonButcher has established himself as an institution as the headmen’s soccer coach at Keene State College for his success andlongevity
Entering the 2013 season fifth on the list for all-time for mostvictories (589) by a men's college soccer coach and third amongactive coaches in Division III, Dr. Ron Butcher is the dean ofmen's soccer coaches in New England. Butcher has had successat all levels of competition, leading the Owls to 31 postseasontournament appearances, including NCAA Division III berths 10 outof the past 16 years.
A master motivator and strategist, Butcher will be tested againthis season as his Owls set about the task of regainingthe Little East Conference tournament title and making areturn trip to the NCAA championship. During his tenure, KSC hasclaimed six LEC crowns (1999, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006,2010- three shared), reached the finals nine times, posting aconference-best record of 84-19-9 and a tournament mark of 15-7-2.
Butcher, demonstrated his soccer sorcery last season, helpingthe Owls recover from a slow start to finishsecond in the LEC before being upset in the semifinal round of thetournament. His 2011 team reached the finals, coming withinone penaley kick goal of earning an NCAA berth. Edging R.I. College1-0 in the 2010 championship, KSC won its sixth LEC crown, the mostby any LEC program.
Butcher’s ability to get the most out of his teams hasbeen prevalent throughout his coaching career. Under hisguidance, KSC bounced back from a slow start to earn a NCAA berthin 2007. The Owls posted wins over perennial powers WilliamsCollege and eventual NCAA champs Middlebury College. His 2005team upset Wheaton College (4-1) and advanced to the NCAA regionalfinals. In 2004, KSC posted regular season wins overWilliams, Wheaton and Middlebury on the way to capturing the LECtitle and a hosting the regional NCAA tournament. Butcher was namedthe New England Region Coach of the Year by the National SoccerCoaches Association of America in 2002 after he led third-seededKSC to upset wins over Wheaton College and Williams College and athird Little East tournament championship. His 2003 squad reachedthe ECAC Tournament finals.
Since arriving at Keene State in 1970, Coach Butcher has beenthe chief architect in building an Owl soccer program that hasamassed an impressive 580-236-71 mark during his 42-year tenure.Consider also the large number of All-America, All-New England, andAll-Conference players who have worn a KSC uniform over the years,and it's easy to see why Keene State has one of the elite soccerprograms in the region. KSC has produced 72 All-LECplayers since1997.
Owner of an overall 589-250-72 (.686 pct.) career mark over 44years, Butcher celebrated his milestone 500th win with a 2-0victory over Western Conn. on Sept. 17, 2005. Inducted intothe KSC Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005, the Owls' longtimesoccer guru has been recognized often for his coachingaccomplishments. He was awarded NAIA Coach of the Year honors in1974 and 1981, was named the NEISL Division II New England Coach ofthe Year in 1991, and received LEC coaching honors in 1999,2002, 2010 and2011.
Originally from Weston, Mass., Butcher attended Plymouth StateCollege, where he spent four years tending goal for the Panthers.He coached two seasons at the University of Wisconsin-Plattevillebefore coming to Keene State. During his coaching career, whichincludes almost 850 contests, Butcher has maintained his enthusiasmfor the game.
All-Time Career Wins
621 Jay Martin*, Ohio Wesleyan
618 Tony Tocco*, Rockhurst
607 Joe Bean, Wheaton, Bridgeport,Quinnipiac
597 Cliff McGrath, SeattlePacific, Spring Arbor, Gordon, Wheaton
589 Ron Butcher*,UW-Platteville, Keene State
544 Jerry Yeagley, Indiana
540 Steve Negoesco, SanFrancisco
*active
Active Career Wins - Division III
621 JayMartin, Ohio Wesleyan
618 Tony Tocco, Rockhurst
589 Ron Butcher,UW-Platteville, Keene State
