Walter Fitzpatrick's commitment to Butler County Community College basketball is unparalleled, both in years of service and enthusiasm.

Fitzpatrick, a 68-year-old Butler resident, has been the scorekeeper for the men's and women's basketball programs for 42 years.

Fitzpatrick also kept score for the baseball team for a couple years.

"I really enjoy sports in general and enjoy being around younger people," Fitzpatrick said. "I was never a good athlete, but I always admired people that could play."

He started at BC3 as a professor in 1967, teaching social science courses. Fitzpatrick retired from teaching last year.

Despite his retirement from the classroom, Fitzpatrick plans to continue to serve as scorekeeper under new basketball coach Dick Hartung.

"As long as I can still do it well and my mind is OK, I will still do it," Fitzpatrick said. "I don't want to be at the point where I make a mistake and cost the team a game."

Rob Snyder, BC3's athletic director, said Fitzpatrick is an integral part of Pioneers basketball.

"He's an interesting guy; students really connect with him," Snyder said. "Every time I do graduation, everyone seems to have a favorite story about him. The kids really enjoy having him around."

His career as scorekeeper started in 1968, when the athletic director asked him if he was interested.

"I told him I would help out, and I did it for years for free," Fitzpatrick said. "It didn't matter that it didn't pay, I really enjoyed it."

In 1969, Walter married his wife Nancy, and she soon got involved with Pioneers basketball.

"At first, I used to go with him to the games," Nancy said. "But after we had our kids, Justin and Shannon, I stopped going."

Fitzpatrick also travels to away games with the team.

"I got used to him not being home," Nancy said. "But he loves sports, and it made him happy. He wanted to be a sports announcer, but his father wouldn't allow it."

Fitzpatrick said the Pioneers' best teams played in the 1980s and 1990s.

Bob Bartlett, who coached at Slippery Rock University, and Hartung were the coaches who led the Pioneers to great success.

The Pioneers' glory days have since faded, but Fitzpatrick's favorite memory came from when they won their first conference title.

"We lost to CCAC Allegheny by 40 points earlier in the season," Fitzpatrick said. "But when we played them for the conference title, it was at our place. We took the game into overtime and won on a last-second shot."

Snyder said even though the teams haven't been as good, Fitzpatrick's attitude hasn't changed.

"He's extremely passionate," Snyder said. "He still gets really into the games. You can tell he really enjoys it."

Fitzpatrick said he enjoys this level of basketball because of the youths who compete.

"I admire them because of their drive, determination and how they hustle," Fitzpatrick said. "It's really a joy to watch."