Coach Doug Butler spent 15 years at Holy Trinity and amassed 16 state championships and eight runner-up finishes with his Tiger teams before taking over the Satellite High School program. In his 18th year in the sport, he guided the Scorpions boys to the 2A runner-up finish in 2017. We caught up with the winningest coach in our sport to talk about this year's squad.
What kind of training did your team do leading up to state?
We are a mileage program. I believe in the bigger the base the higher the peak.
What chances or belief did you have in your team's chance and ability to make the podium?
We knew going into the season we had a shot at the podium. We graduated four of our top five guys from last year so not many people gave us a shot. We have a very deep boys team and they put in the work over the summer. Their goal was district and regional champs and state runner up.
What advice or points of emphasis did you give your team prior to the race or the week leading into the state meet?
Just run your race. You can't control your opponent so run smart and run confident.
What was the game plan for state and how do you feel your team executed it?
We wanted to get out fast and run as a pack, they did that well. We knew it would be very close with Trinity Prep and Bishop Kenny.
Who do you feel really stepped up individually the most for the team at the state meet?
I would say our freshman Gabe Montague and sophomore Colby Steger had the best races of all the seven.
What were the biggest challenges for this year's team?
Replacing the great seniors I had last year, John Cacciatore, Egan and Trevor Kattenberg, and Michael Wilson.
Were there any low points in the season? How did the team bounce back?
We ran very poorly at Great American. That was not a good day at all and so we had to shake that off and get back to work.
Was there a particular race, workout, or moment that you knew that your team was ready or had the potential to become state champions?
Not really, they guys battled some sickness near end of year so I was worried we wouldn't get it done.
How would you best describe the group of kids that you coach?
Clowns. They have a great time and its never dull, but they work extremely hard so Im looking forward to what track will bring.
What role do your assistant coaches play with the program?
Don't have any, I don't play well with others.
What would be the best way to describe your coaching style?
Autocratic. Everyone gets treated the same, everyone is expected to put forth their best effort, but there can only be one cook in the kitchen.
Who were the leaders on your team and what was the importance to the squad?
Charlie Dickinson was a very good emergent leader on this squad. He leads by example.
Who was the biggest individual surprise or runner that most impressed you with their improvements this year?
Freshman Gabe Montague and sophomore Colby Steger.
How would this team rank against some of the past teams that you coached?
They had the tightest pack maybe of all my top teams, not the fastest average.
What are your expectations for next year's team?
We return a top group of guys and although we graduate a few, we will have the same goals.