The Butler High School cross country team had a banquet Nov. 7, 1971, where numerous members of the team received awards. From left in front are Jeff Taggert, Marty Dusheck, Rick Elias, Jeff Schnur, Dennis Naidus, Kevin Brown and Jim Leonard; and from left in back are Dick Collodi, Jim Longnecker, Robert Covey, Mr. and Mrs. John Coyle and Joe Malis. Butler Eagle File Photo

Jack Bowman and Jack Neely

Butler High School seniors Rick Elias and Dennis Naidus received top awards at a cross country banquet on Nov. 7, 1971.

Rick received the Dennis Coyle Award, which is given in honor of U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Butler High graduate Dennis Coyle, who ran cross country at the school from 1965 to 1967. Coyle died in the Vietnam War on March 6, 1969. The award had been given annually to a cross country runner who demonstrated loyalty, pride, dependability and persistence over the course of the season.

Dennis was named the Most Valuable Performer by the rest of his team, after competing in the PIAA finals in 1971.

The guest speaker at the banquet was Jim Longnecker, head cross country coach at Grove City College, who said the Butler cross country team was headed in the right direction.