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FAREWELLCOACH Donnie Butcher, who led the University of the Cumberlands men's basketball team to 17 NAIA tournament appearances, has retired after 21 seasons and 452 wins at the helm of the Patriots program.
All Cumberlands’ undergraduate students participate in various community service opportunities each semester, supporting the university’s mission of impacting others in positive ways while teaching students leadership through service. Shoes 4 the Soul is just one event that allows Cumberlands students to give back to their community and serve the children in it. “The kids are always excited,” said Tammy Stephens, the family resource director for Williamsburg Independent School District. “Most of the kids receiving these shoes don’t get any other pairs of shoes outside of what they get from our family resource center. Little boys especially wear through their shoes quickly with how hard they play. This gives them a good pair of shoes to wear every day.”
"It is sad to see the Donnie Butcher era come to a close. Donnie has been a tremendous asset to Cumberlands for more than three decades," said Cumberlands President Larry Cockrum. "In addition to being a great coach, he has served as a role model and mentor for many student-athletes and younger coaches. He is highly regarded throughout the NAIA basketball community and has always operated his program with integrity. He will be greatly missed by our students and staff. I wish Donnie and his wife Bonnie all the best as they look forward to this new chapter in their lives." Butcher closes out his career second in Patriots history with 452 wins, tallying a .680 win percentage, including a 180-116 record in Mid-South Conference play.
Coach Butcher ranks 12th in the NAIA in wins among active NAIA coaches as he led the Patriots to eight consecutive NAIA national tournament appearances. Under his guidance, the Patriots posted 18 20+ wins seasons, including capturing the MSC regular-season championship in 2003 in addition to winning the 2009 and 2012 Mid-South Conference Tournament. Athletic Director Chris Kraftick said, "It's always tough to see a great coach step away. Donnie has dedicated his life to this institution and represented Patriots Basketball with the highest of integrity. As athletic director, I hate to see him retire, but as a friend, I'm excited he has reached that point in life where he can spend time with his family and enjoy doing something other than prepping for the next MSC battle. Our department wishes Donnie and Bonnie the best and would like to thank them for a wonderful 32 years in Williamsburg."
Cumberlands has made a campus-wide goal to support at least 500 students each year with shoes and other essential items. It costs just $30 to provide a child with shoes, socks, t-shirts, and hygiene products at Shoes 4 the Soul. To sponsor a child, visit ucumberlands. edu/shoes4soul/give. For more information on Cumberlands’ community service initiatives, visit ucumberlands.edu/communityservice. CUMBERLANDS ALUMNI MAGAZINE
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