Plymouth State University

RON BUTCHER ('65): A former four-year goalkeeper for the Panthers, Dr. Ron Butcher has become one of the most successful university soccer coaches in history. Now in his 32nd season at Keene State College, Butcher is on the verge of becoming just the third men's university soccer coach to reach 500 victories.

After graduating from PSC, Butcher started his coaching career with a two-year stint at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, but it is Keene State where he has made his name. Beginning at KSC in 1970 and nurturing the Owls from their formidable NAIA days through the NCAA Division II years to today's successful NCAA Division III operation, Butcher has produced some outstanding teams and student-athletes. He has led the Owls to a combined 422-165-50 record with 23 post-season appearances, and many of his players have earned All-Conference, All-Region and All-America honors.

With over 30 years of experience and a veteran of more than 600 contests, Butcher has been honored on numerous occasions. He was NAIA Coach of the Year in 1974 and 1981, and he was the NEISL Division II New England Coach of the Year in 1991 and one of eight coaches vying for the National Division II Coach of the Year award. Butcher was also selected Little East Conference Coach of the Year in 1999 after the Owls captured the conference title and made their third straight NCAA Division III appearance.