March 28, 2024

Townie A.D. Alex Butler no stranger to winning basketball

Butler was one of the most dominant basketball players in New England during the early 1990s

Posted

New East Providence High Athletic Director is no stranger to Townie basketball. Alex Butler excelled as an athlete at EPHS in both basketball and volleyball and almost any athletic or academic endeavor he was involved with. Alex Butler was one of the most dominant basketball players in New England during the early 1990s. He was an All-State athlete in high school and then starred for the Anchormen from 1993-97, earning All-American honors as a junior and senior in 1995-96 and 1996-97. Butler was inducted into the Rhode Island College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003.

During his college career, Butler was the biggest impact player in the Little East Conference. He was named Little East First Team All-Conference as a sophomore in 1994-95, a junior in 1995-96 and as a senior in 1996-97. Butler was the LEC’s Rookie of the Year as a freshman in 1993-94 and Player of the Year in 1995-96 and 1996-97. In addition, he earned First Team All-Star kudos and Robbins Scholar-Athlete honors in 1995-96 and 1996-97 from the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC). A 1998 graduate, Butler closed out his career as RIC’s second all-time leading scorer with 2,398 points. He received the John E. Hetherman Award, signifying him as RIC’s top male senior athlete, in 1998. He ranks in the top ten all-time in numerous career, single-season and game statistical categories at RIC.

After graduation, Butler continued his involvement with RIC athletics, serving as an assistant men’s basketball coach there from 1998-01. "I thoroughly enjoyed my time at EP and at RIC," said Butler in a prior interview. "We've had great athletes in East Providence and continue to do so." At one point, while Butler was at R.I.C., the team had 4 Townies starting on the basketball team. Joining Butler back then were Kenny Bliss, Derek Campbell and Frank Minikon.

Butler’s Rhode Island College jersey number was retired by the college in 2005. After teaching physical education at Martin Middle School and East Providence High, he became a Dean of Students at EPHS before being named Athletic Director following Gregg Amore who became RI Secretary of State. He also had coached EPHS basketball and still coaches volleyball.

Alex Butler knows how to play winning basketball and what it means to be a Townie. There are many Townie fans who will hope that Butler can send good vibrations to this 2023 version of Townie basketball Saturday and hopefully on Sunday at URI.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here

Share!
Truly local news delivered to every home in town