Kenley Leary was a four-sport standout athlete when he roamed the hallways of Butte High School from 2018 through 2022.

He earned eight varsity letters with the Bulldogs. That includes two in football and three each in basketball and track. He also played American Legion Baseball, helping lead the Butte Miners to their first state title in 69 years in 2022.

In that magical summer of 2022, Leary was the MVP of the Southern A District tournament in Butte, the Class A State tournament in Belgrade and the Northwest Class A Regional tournament in Vernal, Utah.

I first covered Kenley when he was a third grader competing in the old Punt, Pass & Kick contest at East Middle School. From an early age, you could tell he was a competitor. He was a fierce competitor.

He was what we called the “Swiss Army Knife” of Butte High’s football team in 2021. He played every position except offensive line for the Bulldogs, helping lead Butte High to a 5-2 conference record and a trip to the playoffs.

He was a three-year contributor for the Butte High basketball team, helping lead the Bulldogs to the Class AA State tournament in each of those seasons.

Leary joined Butte Miners teammates Aiden Lee and Eric Hart to sign with Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon.

In Roseburg, though, Kenley found himself caught in a roster crunch that was aided, in large part, by the addition of extra years of eligibility to players during the pandemic. With a roster of more than 50 players, each athlete struggled for reps.

Eventually, Kenley decided to return home.

Today, Kenley is an assistant coach on the Butte High boys’ basketball team. He is hoping to help coach Matt Luedtke and the Bulldogs capture the school’s first basketball state title in 41 years.

He is also working at the family business, Casagranda’s Steakhouse, and planning a future business venture of his own.

Listen in to this podcast as Kenley talks about winning that state title with the Miners. Listen as he talks about competing in three sports for the Bulldogs. Listen as he talks about his conversation with coach Arie Grey when he considered quitting football after the death of his Grandpa Jim passed away during his senior season.

Listen to hear what it is like to coach players he used to play alongside.

Today’s podcast is presented by Casagranda’s Steakhouse. Eat where the locals eat.