BUTLER TWP — Jay Miranda recently had a finger amputated, one of a number of surgeries and amputations he’s gone through in recent years.

Miranda, Randy Fillhart, John Hartle, Mickey Haley and Craig Lucas — four former Golden Tornado football public address announcers and a former radio color commentator — were honored by the Butler Football Hometown Hero organization prior to last week’s home season opener against Meadville at Art Bernardi Stadium.

And Miranda was there.

“No way was I gonna miss this,” he said.

Miranda did the p.a. announcing for Butler from 2009 through 2021. He still does p.a. work at Pullman Park and with the Butler wrestling program.

“I’ve learned to live life to the fullest,” Miranda said. “Going through my medical problems, I kept reminding myself things could always be worse. Down to your last slice of bread at home, the last penny on your paycheck ... It can always be worse.

“I love my family. I’m grateful for my family. And I’m grateful for this night. I never, ever expected anything like this. I’m humbled and I’m thankful.”

Hartle served as the Golden Tornado band announcer, became varsity cheerleading coach and took over the p.a. duties at Art Bernardi Stadium from Haley.

A longtime teacher at Butler, Hartle was around the Butler football program for 33 years.

“I always had a reason to be at the games, home and away, every Friday night for years,” he said. “I developed a love affair for Butler football.

“Staying dedicated to the kids is what it’s all about.”

Fillhart spent 40 years in the Butler Area Midget Football League as its p.a. announcer at Memorial Park. He wrote up game reports from each BAMFL Saturday and submitted them to the Butler Eagle.

He did some pinch-hitting as a p.a. announcer at Art Bernardi Stadium as well.

“I appreciate the support I got from my family and friends through those years, especially my parents,” Fillhart said. “I remember the years coaching at Pony League and Prep ball at Pullman Park.

“Those were great times. And I’m humbled and honored with this night.”

Haley coached many sports during a lengthy teaching career at Butler. He served as p.a. announcer at Art Bernardi Stadium for roughly 10 years and was head coach of the BAMFL’s Penn Street Cardinals. His own athletic endeavors were primarily as a diver and gymnast.

“For me, it’s about keeping the cycle going,” Haley said. “When I looked at all of the previous Hometown Hero inductees, I either taught or coached 68% of them. Another 14% were my contemporaries, people I grew up with.

“Some of the people being coached or who are coaching right now will be inducted in the future. Just keep it going.”

Haley said he rode up to Butler from Kentucky for the ceremony and “I wrote the whole time. This means a lot to me.”

The most emotional recipient of the night was Lucas, a local chiropractor who did color commentary of Butler games on the radio from 2004 to 2018.

He also played center at Butler and for Clarion University.

“Playing college football was nice, but it wasn’t the same,” Lucas said. “I can’t describe the feeling on Friday nights, standing on top of that hill, ready to run down into a packed stadium, the band playing, all of those people there to support you. Those are my most vivid memories as a youth growing up in Butler.

“I’ve always loved Butler football, appreciate my coaches, and working with a professional like Ron Willison on the radio. Getting that radio gig meant the world to me because it got me back on that hill.

“I realize I am blessed with great parents, great wife, all of it. My children ... I’m proud of all of you. The kind of person I am, I owe that to my parents and through my years of playing football. I love that game,” Lucas added.

There are now 66 Butler Football Hometown Hero honorees, not including the 1963 Tornado football team.

“Every inductee, every year, is welcome to come back here,” Butler Football Hometown Hero committee member Ralph McElhaney said. “Once you’re honored by this group, you become a part of our family.”