Greater Columbus Basketball Legend Association
WILLIAM “CY” BUTLER
COACH
WILLIAM “CY” BUTLER
2019 GCBLA INDUCTEE
COLUMBUS, OHIO
Category: COACH
Recognition
William “Cy” Butler returned to Columbus from Delaware State College in 1937. He served as basketball and track coach at Delaware State. He taught at Champion Jr. High School from 1937-1973. He coached basketball from 1944-1962, accumulating a record of 149 wins and 32 losses (82.3%), winning City League Championships in 1945, 1949, 1954, 1958 and 1959. He was a major contributor to East high School’s basketball success. Five Champion Players were significant contributors to East High’s 1951 state championship team. He was never afforded the opportunity to coach at the high school level until late in his career. By that time he had embarked on a second career as the first African-American property and casualty agent for a major insurance company. His career at Motorists Insurance began in 1952 and spanned 39 years. His greatest satisfaction was in his players who led successful lives after basketball. He encouraged players to further their education and was always available for advice to his players long after they left Champion.