VAN BUTLER
- May 1
- 2 min read
Trenton Central High School 1971 -- Sprinter
The late 1970’s was the golden era of Trenton High sprinters, one of the most storied eras of any Mercer County program. But the first spark of Tornadoes greatness in the shorter distances came at the onset of the decade from Van Butler.
The Mercer County champion in the 100-yard dash as a sophomore in 1969, Butler made his senior year in 1971 one to remember beginning in the indoor campaign when he won the Group IV state title in the 60-yard dash. When activity moved outdoors, Butler got even faster leading Trenton to a Group IV South sectional title in Cherry Hill over archrival Hamilton 29-28, gaining the pivotal individual state victories in the 100 and 220 yards.
That spring, Butler swept both events at the Mercer County Championships, including a scalding 9.6 seconds in the 100, another meet record. But Butler was just warming up, saving his best for the state’s biggest meets where he left his indelible mark on New Jersey and Mercer County track history.
Butler became the first Mercer County athlete to win an individual event at the Meet of Champions when his 9.8 set a meet mark in the 100 as he unseated defending champion Rich Still of Haddon Heights. Butler just missed doubling, earning a second place in the 220 at the MOC.
Appropriately this architect of Trenton High greatness later worked in construction and having written so much track history enjoyed writing and teaching after his time on the track was over.
MAJOR TITLES
MEET OF CHAMPIONS WINNER 100 YARDS (1971)
3x STATE CHAMPION GROUP IV - INDOOR 60 YARDS 1971, OUTDOOR 100 & 220 YARDS (1971)
2x OUTDOOR SJ SECTIONAL CHAMPION - 100 & 220 YARDS (1971)
3x OUTDOOR MERCER COUNTY CHAMPION 100 (1969), 100 & 220 (1971)
