By Kyle Roberts
If Ruston had its own entry in the Encyclopedia Brittanica, then Malcolm Butler’s picture could rightly be included.
A lifelong resident of Ruston, Butler has intentionally kept his roots in North Louisiana, eager to build on the wonderful memories he’s made throughout his life, from his time at Ruston High as a student all the way through his decades of service to Louisiana Tech in the Sports Information/Media Relations Department.
So there’s no room for doubt that the 1989 graduate would be a worthy selection for this year’s class of Ruston High School Distinguished Alumni Award Winners.
“I tell people all the time that I feel like being a high school student in the 1980’s — it couldn’t get any better than that,” Butler said. “Whether you’re talking about the movies, music, fashion; whatever it may be. Then when you add Ruston High School in there, you know, it’s always been an outstanding school. In the late 80’s, we’re talking about Chick Childress’ football teams who only lost four games in four years, while winning two state championships. And I was fortunate enough to be a manager for Jack Thigpen and was part of the 1988 state championship basketball team.
“But maybe the biggest piece of the puzzle was the men and women who made up the faculty and staff at Ruston High during that time. Dr. Gerald Cobb, Dickie Hinton, Ronnie Suggs — just so many wonderful teachers and coaches that made my high school experience one that I’ll always remember.”
Butler’s time at Ruston High was so meaningful that he knew he’d stay home to get his degree at Louisiana Tech, a place he has become synonymous with over the last 30 years with his history of radio and ESPN+ broadcasts.
“I had no desire to go away for college,” Butler said. ” Obviously, Ruston High School helped prepare me for college. And I chose Tech because I loved Ruston. It was a decision that I have never regretted. If I hadn’t gone to Tech, I would never have met people like Wiley Hilburn and Keith Prince, who both helped me find my career path. I owe so much to so many people and I will forever be grateful.
“My experiences at Ruston High are what led me to stay in Ruston.”
Jim Oakes served as Athletics Director for Louisiana Tech from 1994 through 2008 and hired Butler in for the Sports Information Director role, where he served for 23 years until retiring in 2022.
“Malcolm epitomizes community spirited leadership,” Oakes said. “He is super passionate about his Alma Maters and this community. His long time dedication and service to Tech Athletics is remarkable. Malcolm is a real difference maker for Ruston High, Louisiana Tech, and all of Lincoln Parish.
“He is truly deserving of this special recognition.”
Butler maintains his ties to Ruston High School through writing stories in the Lincoln Parish Journal, both on sports and academics.
“Writing (for the LPJ) has allowed me to reconnect to staff and students at the school,” Butler said. “It’s been a wonderful experience. Anytime I am on campus or at athletic venues … it just brings back so many memories.”
With a history and resume like Butler’s, there’s no room for doubt about his deserving this honor from the RHS Alumni Association.
“It’s an honor and one I did not expect,” Butler said in conclusion. “I guess I’ve walked a path that is as Ruston as you can get. So to be honored by my Alma Mater like this — it really does mean a tremendous amount.”
Tickets for the RHS Alumni Association Homecoming Awards Luncheon which will be held Friday, November 1 at 12 p.m. at the Davison Athletics Complex can be purchased at http://www.BearcatAlum.org.
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