Glen Welch has been running up and down the football field and basketball courts, officiating high school and college action for decades.

Even if you don’t know his name, you likely know the intense official who was never afraid to fire back at fans who are yelling at the referees.

Welch also umpires softball and baseball. He was on the field this May as Butte hosted the first high school State tournament at 3 Legends Stadium.

Before he put on the stripes and the blue shirt, Welch was an outstanding athlete at Butte High and the University of Montana. The speedy All-State receiver helped the Bulldogs win back-to-back State titles in 1967 and 1968. He was then part of a back-to-back conference championships for the Montana Grizzlies.

In 1969, Welch became the first second-generation player in the history of the Montana East-West Shrine Game in Great Falls. His father, Glenn, played in the very first Shrine Game in 1947.

Years later, the younger Welch got to officiate the Shrine game with his father.

Both the Welch’s are members of the Butte Sports Hall of Fame. The late Glenn Welch went in with the third class in 1991. Six years later, he was joined by his son.

Listen in to this podcast as Glen Welch discusses his athletic career and following in the footsteps of his father as an official. Listen as he talks about why his name is spelled “Glen” instead of “Glenn.”

Listen as he talks about working with some of the legendary officials of Butte and around the state. Listen to hear that, like his dad, Welch still very much identifies as a “Butte guy,” even though he has lived in Missoula for so long.

Today’s podcast is presented by ⁠⁠Lone Peak Physical Therap⁠⁠y. Call today and start feeling better as early as tomorrow.