Coach Butcher Page

Coach Francis Herbert Butcher ("Butch")

Memorial at Las Vegas High School

Francis Herbert Butcher ("Butch") graduated from Howard Payne College, Brownwood Texas, 1927. He accepted a teaching position at LVHS then located on 4th street. The former college football star's added responsibilities were to integrate athletics into the high school program.

September 13, 1927, marked the opening day of football practice at LVHS. Thirteen recruits greeted coach Butcher as the whistle sounded. On September 20th the new uniforms arrived and on the evening of October 21st, the entire town turned out for a pep rally and bon fire.

At 2 PM on October 22, 1927, the Wildcats kicked off for the first time against Victorville and lost a hard fought battle 14-13. Within two years, coach Butcher had produced championship teams for the 1929 and 1930 season. In fact, Reno backed out of the 1930 State Championship game for fear of being beaten by a "Southern Team."

In addition to this, Coach Butcher personally designed the gymnasium at the 7th street campus, coached basketball, and the track team, which he guided to two State Championships.

Tragically, the 26 year old teacher, beloved by every man, woman, and child in Las Vegas, died from burn injuries sustained in a house fire on December 13, 1930. A memorial plaque was placed on the south wall of the school building, facing the field, which was named after him. He was laid to rest beside the grave of his mother on December 22, 1930, in Fort Worth Texas.