Michael Butsch '72 was a three-time KCAC pole vault champion, and record holder, and set a still standing McPherson College school record of 15’3” in the vault in 1971. A native and current resident of Piqua, Ohio, he qualified for four NAIA National track and field championships while a Bulldog, placing 5th at the 1971 NAIA National indoor meet. Following the completion of his eligibility at McPherson College, Butsch went on to twice finish second in the Missouri Valley AAU decathlon in 1972 and 1973. Later, as a Master-level competitor in the pole vault, he won five Ohio Masters pole vault titles and placed fourth in the 1985 National Masters’ championships. A noted speaker on pole vault safety, Butsch helped organize a statewide pole vault coaches’ certification program in the state of Ohio. In his 28 years as a health and physical education teacher at L.T. Ball Junior High in Tipp City, Ohio, he has coached its track and field teams to over 700 wins. In 19 years as the head wrestling coach at Ball, his teams compiled a record of 273 dual wins and 35 losses. Butsch coached his sons Steve and Bryan to six Ohio state high school track and field meet berths including Steve’s state championship at a record height of 15’7”, which also earned Steve an All-American designation. As a high school varsity coach, Butsch has been named Ohio Southwest Rivers Conference golf coach of the year three times as his teams have won three league championships and one district title. He has continued to remain active as an athlete, playing softball at the state and national level, and winning the Piqua City Senior golf title in 2001.