In the land of reality television, anything is possible.

Such as former Chicago Bears linebacker and Pro Football Hall-of-Famer Dick Butkus roaming the sidelines for Butler High School this fall.

Sound far-fetched?

Perhaps, but it almost became a reality

In the end, however, it was Montour High School that was chosen for Butkus' new eight-week prime-time reality show, which will be on ESPN this fall.

"We were one of the top 25 original nominees," said Butler football coach Garry Cathell. "After that, I don't know. They eliminated schools. I don't know what they were looking for.

"When I got the call from California, there were 25 schools nationally and four were in Pennsylvania," said Cathell. "They really stayed in some of the big football states."

The show "Bound for Glory - The Montour Spartans" will be broadcast on Tuesdays beginning Sept. 20.

Butkus, who played nine years with the Bears from 1965-73 and who was an eight-time Pro Bowler before being inducted into the Hall of Fame, will serve as an assistant coach.

He will live in the Pittsburgh area and the show will focus on the school's football program, as well as its link to the community.

"I believe the whole premise was looking at a school's program that had been successful but not as successfully lately," said Cathell.

While that is an uncomfortable label to possess, Cathell said he would have done anything to improve the Butler program.

"My approach would be anything that helps morale and boost interest would be great," said Cathell.

"Seeing some of the incentives they're getting, it sure would have been nice if they picked us," he added.

Montour hasn't made the playoffs in the past six years, but it's hoping to turn things around after hiring Lou Cerro, who guided Seton La Salle the past 13 years.

He won WPIAL Championships in 2002 and 2004, the former against Mars High School at Heinz Field.

"I'm sure Lou's only concern would be if it was a distraction if ESPN named Dick Butkus as head coach," said Cathell.

But the benefits provided by ESPN appear to override any major concerns.

"I hear they're going to re-do the weight room, the locker room, new uniforms, the staff gets money and even the shoes they play in, even the opponents," said Cathell.

Instead, Butler will try to return to the playoffs without the help of a Hall-of-Famer, but at least the Tornado season will have one of its contests at Heinz Field.

On Sept. 1, the Tornado will square off against Hempfield as the second game of a doubleheader.