Write it down: Enrietto honored
LYNDORA — It's one of the favorite awards Matt Clement doles out at the end of a season.
The Butler boys head basketball coach began the 6th Man Award four years ago as a way to recognize those who have supported the program in a profound way.
The first 6th Man Award went to Jim Gallagher, who spent some years commuting to and from Detroit to help coach the team.
The next one went to John Cooper, who coached basketball for 50 years — most of them at Butler.
Tom Menchyk, a longtime videographer at Butler, has also received the award.
The latest recipient was due to receive the honor last year.
COVID-19 had other ideas.
Clement didn't hesitate to hand it out to the same person at the end of this season.
When his name was announced at Butler's end-of-the-year banquet at the General Butler Vagabonds Sunday night, Butler Eagle Sports Editor John Enrietto looked around in shock.
His wife of 35 years, Darlene, wiped away tears.
It meant a lot to her, too.
Darlene knew beforehand her husband was receiving the honor.
John, however, did not.
“I was taking notes,” Enrietto said. “I was getting ready to write it down. I was surprised. I thought something might be up the way she was cloak-and-daggering things.”
Clement said giving Enrietto the award was a no-brainer.
“Always, always for Butler High School,” Clement said of Enrietto. “I don't think people realize that there's no other place in the WPIAL that has a hometown paper covering them, where after the game you get interviewed. It's a great experience to start out your life with.
“What a great job he does supporting these athletes at this high school.”
Enrietto has been the sports editor of the Eagle since 1997.
“I like awards like that because it recognizes a body of work over a long period of time,” Enrietto said. “It's nice to get that type of honor.”
