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Leskovar Honda Athletes of the Week: Copper City Senior All-Stars
The Copper City Senior All-Star softball players are this week’s Leskovar Honda Athletes of the Week.
In an era where travel ball often dominates the softball landscape, the Copper City Little League Senior All-Stars proved that heart, hard work, and hometown pride can still compete on the biggest stages. Representing Butte and Copper City at the Western Regional Tournament in Missoula, these young women played with determination, unity, and pride while making history along the way.
Leading the charge were Reese Johnson, Kendallyn Schad, and Avery Barsness. Their journey has come full circle. The trio were members of Copper City’s first-ever 9-10 All-Star team in 2019, and are now part of the first Copper City team to defeat Hawaii at the Western Regional Tournament, an accomplishment that will forever be part of the program’s history.
Johnson set the tone from the leadoff spot all tournament long, batting an impressive .548 while scoring 22 runs. Her ability to lead by example, stay composed in big moments, and encourage her teammates helped set the standard for the entire team throughout the tournament.
Schad was one of the most dangerous hitters in the tournament, posting a remarkable .697 batting average while driving in 29 runs. Time and again, she delivered in key situations and provided leadership both on and off the field.
Barsness was a steady presence in center field and one of the defensive anchors for Copper City throughout the tournament. Her athleticism, instincts, and ability to track down balls in the gaps helped shut down opposing offenses and save countless runs.
The team’s lone junior, Cliry Conway, showcased a quick glove at third base and played a key role in three double plays. Her defensive instincts and poise helped stabilize the infield throughout the tournament.
In the circle, Brea Henderson was nothing short of outstanding. Henderson pitched 38 innings during the tournament, striking out 46 batters while consistently giving her team a chance to win. Her performance reflected not only her talent but also the countless hours she dedicates to improving her game during the offseason.
Taylor Regan contributed in every phase of the game, batting .395 while using her speed to become a constant threat on the bases. She crossed the plate 17 times and provided energy whenever she stepped onto the field.
Behind the plate, Lilly Sandoval embraced one of the toughest jobs in softball. Catching 10 of the team’s 11 games in intense summer heat, she worked tirelessly to block pitches, and keep balls in front of her. Through it all, she never complained and consistently put the team first.
Aspen Shaffer provided valuable versatility throughout the tournament. She pitched 15 innings and recorded 18 strikeouts while also contributing in the outfield and as a runner whenever called upon. Her willingness to do whatever was needed exemplified the team’s selfless attitude.
Rounding out the roster were Savannah Stosich, Kessler Svejkovsky, and Keelie Schad, each making important contributions to the team’s success.
Stosich batted .344 and was a defensive standout at shortstop, helping turn four double plays during the tournament. Svejkovsky came through in clutch moments as the designated player, collecting five RBIs while also stepping into the circle to close out games when needed. Schad provided steady defense in right field and delivered several impactful hits that helped keep innings alive and drive team success.
While the statistics are impressive, the true story of this team goes beyond the numbers. These girls represented Butte, Copper City Little League, their families, coaches, and community with pride. They played for one another, battled through adversity, and showed what can be accomplished through dedication and teamwork.
The Copper City Senior All-Stars leave behind a legacy that future players can look up to. From being part of the inaugural 9-10 All-Star team to making history at Western Regionals, this group has helped raise the standard for Copper City softball and inspired the next generation of players who dream of following in their footsteps.
Since the beginning of 2023, Leskovar Honda, home of the non-commission sales staff that always has your back, has teamed up with the ButteCast to honor the finest student-athletes from the Mining City to encourage more children to get up, get out and try all kinds of sports and activities.
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No 370: Remembering Dan Sullivan
There are legends, and then there are legends.
Dan Sullivan fell into the latter category. He was a legend among legends. He was a Butte Sports Hall of Famer and a Montana Grizzly Hall of Famer.
He was a Hall of Famer in life.
Dan passed away Thursday night at the age of 86, and we already miss him. We miss the stories. We miss the laughs. We miss the singing.
Dan was such a legend that one nickname wasn’t enough. He was widely known as “Dusty Dan” and “Deep Court Dan.” I always thought the “Deep Court” moniker came from his days in the handball court, where he was known for rolling the ball out from deep in the court.
As it turns out, however, that nickname came from a writer in Missoula who noted that Dan could score the basketball from very deep in the court. So, the nickname was fitting for two sports.
Dan graduated from Butte Central in 1958. He was a basketball star for the Marrons before playing basketball for the Grizzlies. At the University of Montana, Sullivan roomed with his good friend and Butte High Bulldog legend Bob O’Billovich.
After serving in the Army, Dan ended up teaching for decades at Butte High School. His law class used to fill up faster than a Springsteen concert sold out. He was that popular as a teacher.
In February of 2023, Dan met me inside the Vault at the Metals for a great conversation.
After his passing, I figured today would be a great time to bring back his episode of the ButteCast. I figured it will be for all of us to hear the voice of Dan Sullivan one more time.
I will have more on his passing in my next column. It is going to take a few days to digest.
Funeral arrangements are still pending. I encourage all individual members of the Butte Sports Hall of Fame to wear their Green Jacket when attending the funeral.
Today’s episode is presented by Thriftway Super Stops. Download the TLC app and start saving today.
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Episode No. 369: Reece Cox
If a guy could make a living coaching American Legion baseball, then today’s guest would be a lifer. Reece Cox just seems like he was born to coach youth baseball.
In fact, the calling was so strong that Reece put off starting his career as a physical therapist in Denver for a few months so he could coach the Butte boys one more summer.
For the past decade or so, Reece has been one of the most influential people involved in the revitalization of the Butte Legion program.
He started as a player during the first year of 3 Legends Stadium in 2017. He was part of Butte Miners teams that came within one game of the Class A State tournament three years in a row.
The year after his playing days ended, he was a coach in the program as the Miners won the district, state and regional titles in 2022.
Reece has coached the Butte Motormen and Butte Muckers, the two feeder programs for the Miners. He has helped develop players, and his teams have won a lot of games. They have won a whole lot more than they lost.
Today, Reece is in the process of moving to Denver to start his career as a physical therapist. This comes after the 2020 Butte High graduate earned his degree and credentials at the University of Montana.
He says this is a great opportunity for him to work hard to become the best physical therapist as he can be, but he says he will be back in the Mining City someday.
Last evening, I met with Reece at the Jack Crowley Clubhouse at the Highland View Golf Course for a fun conversation.
Listen in to learn that there is an art to taking a bean ball, something that Reece did better than just about anybody.
Listen to hear why Reece postponed that career start to coach the Legion baseball team. Listen as Reece describes PT as basically just another form of coaching.
Listen in to hear that Reece is undefeated in fights with his younger brother, Quinn, an accusation Quinn vehemently denies.
Listen in to hear how Reece’s older brother, Shane, is deadly throwing playing cards. Listen in to why Reece decided to go into physical therapy in the first place.
Like with coaching baseball, this just might be a calling.
Today’s podcast is presented by the Jewelry Design Center. Let Brian Toone and Co. be your jewelers for life.
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No. 368: Remembering Don Peoples Sr.
This past weekend, we celebrated the induction of the Butte Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
This class of 12 individuals and five teams was the 20th class for the local shrine, which welcomed its first class of Butte sports immortals in 1987.
Notably, it was the first class without its founder, Don Peoples Sr.
Peoples, who served as chief executive of Butte-Silver Bow from 1979 until the summer of 1989, came up with the idea for the Butte Sports Hall of Fame during a conversation at a county Christmas party. He said he woke up the next morning, and it still seemed like a great idea. So, Peoples called Pat Kearney, and the rest is history.
Peoples was also the chief executive who helped guide the Mining City through the tough economic times of the 1980s. He is the man who named us the “Can-Do City” and he pushed for Butte to be named an “All-American City.”
Peoples was the patriarch of a great family full of athletes, coaches and some just awesome people.
During the Butte Sports Hall of Fame induction banquet Saturday night at the Butte Civic Center, I said a few words about Peoples, who passed away at the age of 86 on March 18. Instead of a moment of silence, we gave him a long ovation to show our appreciation for all his great work.
In light of that induction, which included his son, Don Peoples Jr., I decided to bring back the Don Peoples Sr.’s episode of the ButteCast. Mr. Peoples welcomed me into his home nearly four years ago to talk for my very first episode. That episode debuted on Sept. 12, 2022.
At the time, Peoples Sr. was still riding a high from his grandson Dougie’s 27-foot buzzer-beating shot that gave Butte Central the Class A State boys’ basketball title that March.
Listen in as Peoples talks about that legendary shot, his family and his work to help Butte survive the 1980s.
Today’s episode is presented by Leskovar Honda, home of the friendly non-commission sales staff that always has your back.
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The secret of Coach Street’s success
Following the 1997-98 wrestling season, Jim Street stepped down as the head coach of the Butte High Bulldogs.
He made a brief comeback as head coach a few years later, but the news sent shockwaves around the country in early 1998.
At the time, I was working as a sportswriter for The Moscow-Pulman Daily News in Idaho. I heard the Street news when one of the wrestling coaches from one of the high schools I covered called me at the sports desk.
The coach knew that I was from Butte. Apparently, Butte Rats wear that fact on their sleeve like we are combat veterans or belong to a CrossFit gym.
He wanted to know if there was any possibility that the Butte School District would hire a replacement from outside the program. He was thinking about applying for the job.
He also asked me a lot of other questions about Butte, the school and the program. He eventually asked if I knew what Street’s secret to success might be. Even great coaches were impressed with Coach Street.
Not many coaches at any level enjoyed the success of Jim Street. His Bulldogs won 13 straight Class AA State championships form 1980 through 1992. His teams also won it all in 1995 and 1997.
But I had no idea what made Street so great.
At the time, the only thing I knew about Coach Street was that you did not want to have a can of chew in your pocket when you walked by his classroom at Butte High. He could snuff out a can of snuff like Smokey Bear on a fire.
I was nervous walking by his room, and I never chewed.
The only thing I knew about wrestling was that I did not want to do it. It never looked like any fun.
When I watched people wrestle, it looked painful and uncomfortable, even for the winner. Plus, your nose can end up in places where no nose should ever venture.
Seeing Butte High win the state title every February, though, was always one of the highlights of the year. Even though Butte was suffering through an economic depression under “Reaganomics” in the 1980s, that was our yearly reminder that the Mining City was still the toughest city in the state.
And there was no better frontman for that toughness than Coach Street.
It was not until years later that I got to know Coach Street and started to begin to understand his greatness.
In 1998, though, I did not have an answer for the coach asking about Street. I figured he was just a great teacher and motivator, which he clearly was and still is.
Sure, his teams were loaded with talent, toughness and knowhow thanks to all the great coaches in the Butte Wrestling Club. He was coaching a bunch of hardnosed wrestlers who were raised in a rough-and-tumble mining town.
But it takes a lot more than talent and toughness to win a state title. Winning multiple championships is something not many people ever do. Winning 13 straight is next to impossible.
For the Butte High Bulldogs, that Purple Reign all started with Coach Street, a no-nonsense coach who perfectly blended the old school with the new.
When I first started school at Butte High, I thought the wrestlers were all afraid Street. However, I quickly learned that was not necessarily the case.
Those wrestlers were afraid, alright. They were afraid to let their coach down.
There was an expectation of greatness from every wrestler who put on that Bulldog singlet, and they all felt the extreme amount of pride and pressure every time they put it on. That goes for even the greatest Bulldog wrestlers, too.
That was not because the coach placed unrealistic expectations on the wrestlers. It was because the coach, his staff and his wrestlers set the bar by winning. The people of Butte simply expected them to win a state title each February.
They knew second place was a disappointment.
The standard was set so high, and they knew it was going to be extremely difficult to live up to it. Yet, year after year, the Bulldogs did just that. When the dust settled, the Bulldog were taking a firetruck ride around town to celebrate another title.
It was a run like nobody has ever seen before or since.
Yes, Street is a great teacher and motivator. He studied the sport and the science behind it, always staying a step ahead of the competition. He lived and breathed wrestling. He still does.
That, though, was not the secret to his success.
After seeing his 14th championship team enter the Butte Sports Hall of Fame over the weekend, I think it is abundantly clear that Street’s biggest strength is how much he cares about his wrestlers. That bond between the coach and his athletes did not end when they hoisted the championship trophy, either.
It did not end when the wrestlers graduated from high school. It did not stop when Street retired. He cared about them then, and he cares every bit as much about them now.
He will care deeply about each and every one of them until he takes his final breath.
Almost every living member of the 1995 team made it to the Butte Sports Hall of Fame induction at the Butte Civic Center. They did that because they did not want to let down the coach they love and respect so much.
Coach Street did not want to let them down, either.
By the time of the Green Jacket Ceremony on Friday night, most people heard that Coach Street and his wife, Barbara, were both seriously injured in a motorcycle crash on July 17. They knew they were both hospitalized in Billings, where Mrs. Street remains.
Not a single person, however, was surprised when Coach Street walked through the front door of the Butte Civic Center on Friday night, donning his Butte Sports Hall of Fame Green Jacket.
He had a few bruises and scrapes, and he was still a little foggy from what is likely a concussion sustained in the accident just seven days earlier. But he was still Coach Street. He still owned the room.
There was hardly a dry eye in the place when Street walked down the aisle as one of the returning “Green Jackets” to start the ceremony.
I could hardly see through teary eyes as, in my duties as the master of ceremonies, I welcomed the coach with the following words:
“He was an outstanding football player and wrestler at Butte High. As a coach, he is a legend well beyond the Butte city limits. His Bulldogs wrestling teams won 13 straight Class AA State titles and 15 overall, all while showing off a toughness and grit that could only come from the streets of the Mining City. Please welcome Jim Street.”
Later that night, Street led his 1995 state champions down the aisle to a thunderous applause.
Everyone was blown away to see him there. Some wondered if he should have been making the trip. Not a single person was surprised.
Coach Street showed up for his wrestlers. Even though they are all in their late 40s, the coach did not want to let them down. He simply had to be there for them.
Those wrestlers knew he would crawl over broken glass for them in 1995. They know he will still do it 31 years later.
You want to know the secret of Coach Street’s success at Butte High School? Well, there you have it.
In Butte, though, that was never much of a secret.
— Bill Foley can be reached at foles74@gmail.com. Follow him at twitter.com/Foles74 or Bluesky at @foles74.bsky.social. Listen to him on the ButteCast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you find your favorite podcasts.
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Leskovar Honda Athletes of the Week: Noah Powers and Hannah Black
Butte Miners pitcher Noah Powers and bowling standout Hannah Black are this week’s Leskovar Honda Athletes of the Week.
Powers takes home the boys’ award after an outstanding season on the bump for Butte’s top American Legion baseball team. The soon-to-be Butte High junior led the Miners in innings pitched, strikeouts and earned run average.
He posted a 2.03 ERA on the season, fanning 33 batters in 38 innings. That included four innings Friday as Butte beat Dillon 16-6 in a loser-out game at the Southern A District Tournament at 3 Legends Stadium. He did not give up an earned run in the outing.
Powers, who can also play the hot corner, had a strong season for the Butte High baseball team this spring as well, splitting time between the varsity and junior varsity squads.
Black receives the girls’ honor after placing fifth in the U12 girls’ division at the 2026 Junior Gold Championships in Minneapolis. The division featured 122 bowlers from around the country. Her two losses in match play came to Stevie Newton of Hanover Pennsylvania and Kailynn Melvin of Tonganoxie, Kansas. They finished first and third in the tournament.
Hannah posted an average 168 for the national tournament, and she became the first Montana bowler to ever make it to matchplay at that age level at the Junior Gold Championships.
Black, 12, is a five-time Pepsi champion and a three-time Junior Gold competitor. She is also active in dance and volleyball. She will be an eighth grader at East Middle School this fall.
Since the beginning of 2023, Leskovar Honda, home of the non-commission sales staff that always has your back, has teamed up with the ButteCast to honor the finest student-athletes from the Mining City to encourage more children to get up, get out and try all kinds of sports and activities.
Photo of Powers courtesy Alycia Holland Photography.
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Butte Sports Hall of Fame program 2026
Welcome to the 2026 Butte Sports Hall of Fame Induction.
On July 25, 2026, the Butte Sports Hall of Fame enshrines its 20th class at the Butte Civic Center. The Hall of Fame, which was founded by the late Don Peoples Sr. and Pat Kearney, inducted its first class in 1987. From there, the Hall welcomed a new class every even year through 2019.
After COVID forced the postponement of the Hall of Fame induction in 2021, the Hall of Fame started inducting classes ever even year in 2022. Our next class will be welcomed in 2028.
Individuals called to 20th class of the Butte Sports Hall of Fame are Brian Bolton, Bernie Brophy, Shirley Chesterfield-Stanton, Susie Hogart-Harrington, John Kovacich, Scott Paffhausen, Kevin Parvinen, Jane Pascoe, Don Peoples Jr., Greg Salo, Butch Starin and Chunky Thatcher. Teams entering the Hall are the 1972 Mile High All-Star baseball team, the 1976 Northwest All-Star softball team, the 1995 Butte High Wrestling team, the 2000 Butte Central softball team, and the 2009 Butte High girls’ track teams. All five teams captured state titles.
Click on the links below to learn more about the Butte Sports Hall of Fame and the Class of 2026. Thank you to all the local sponsors who helped make this year’s induction possible. Please support their businesses.
Shop for Butte Sports Hall of Fame merchandise at 5518 Designs.
Photos from the banquet and Green Jacket Ceremony will be taken by Josie Trudgeon. They will be available for free download at josietrudgeonphotography.com.
Stories and podcasts
Don Peoples and Pat Kearney were right about the Butte Sports Hall of Fame
Coach Salo was no ordinary coach
Shirley Chesterfield-Stanton podcast
Susie Hogart-Harrington podcast
Butte Sports Hall of Fame Selection Committee
Butte Sports Hall of Fame class by class
Buy your Butte Sports Hall of Fame ring
2026 Individual Inductees
2026 Teams
1972 Mile High All-Star baseball team
1976 Northwest All-Star softball team
1995 Butte High wrestling team
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Hall of Fame set to induct 20th class
The 20th class of the Butte Sports Hall of Fame will be inducted this Friday and Saturday at the Butte Civic Center.
Individual members of the Class of 2026 are Brian Bolton, Bernie Brophy, Shirley Chesterfield-Stanton, Susie Hogart-Harrington, John Kovacich, Scott Paffhausen, Kevin Parvinen, Jane Pascoe, Don Peoples Jr., Greg Salo, Butch Starin and Chunky Thatcher.
Teams entering the Hall are the 1972 Mile High All-Star baseball team, the 1976 Northwest All-Star softball team, the 1995 Butte High Wrestling team, the 2000 Butte Central softball team, and the 2009 Butte High girls’ track teams. All five teams captured state titles.
The Green Jacket Ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. Friday. That is when past inductees take another trip down the red carpet, and the 2026 inductees receive their green jacket. The teams will also be recognized.
That event begins with a 6 p.m. social hour, and it is free and open to the public.
The Butte Sports Hall of Fame banquet begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday. That also follows a 6 p.m. social hour. Ticket sales for the banquet ended Thursday afternoon, and no tickets will be sold at the door.
However, those who did not buy a ticket can still attend the event. They just will not be able to go through the dinner line without a ticket.
The Green Jacket breakfast will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday at Perkins. That event is for individual Hall of Fame inductees — past and current — only.
The Butte Sports Hall of Fame golf scramble will begin at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 24, on the Par 3 course at the Highland View Golf Course. Players can play in a group or come as an individual and be put on a team. Players do not need to register ahead of time.
Leskovar Honda is sponsoring a hole-in-one contest with a 2026 Honda Ridgeline as a prize.
This year’s scramble will also include a pair of comedians from Uptown Comedy heckling golfers on one of the tee boxes. That will come with a chance to win tickets to an upcoming comedy show.
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Episode No. 367: Cory Cachola
Cory Cachola is a 1992 Butte High graduate who is doing some great things out in Portland, Oregon.
I would tell you what he is doing, but I am not entirely sure. I just know much of his work involves the dreaded artificial intelligence, and those letters “AI” scare the bejesus out of all of us.
Cory and I were journalism students together at the University of Montana in the 1990s. I can honestly tell you that he is the most talented writer I have ever worked with. In 1996, we worked together as interns at The Montana Standard, where we got a real introduction to the ways of the newspapers.
He has been in Portland now for nearly a quarter of a century, but he is still very much a Butte guy. He went to Emerson Elementary, where he earned the nickname “Chewy” while playing “Kick The Ball.”
At the Kennedy and Blaine schools, we played “Kickball.”
Cory’s mother, Georgene, was my teacher at Butte High. She was the advisor for The Mountaineer, Butte High’s school newspaper. You might remember Cory’s sister, Lurene Kelley. She started her television journalism career at KXLF.
Earlier today, I met with Cory over Zoom for a fun conversation. Listen in as we talk about the origin on his nickname and how those Emerson kids were just a little different.
Listen in as we reminisce about our days at J School and the Standard. Listen in as Cory explains that AI is not necessarily a bad thing.
Listen as we ask ourselves the very important question, “What would Neil Buckley do?”
Today’s episode is presented by Casagranda’s Steakhouse. Eat where the local’s eat. Watch it on YouTube:
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Butte High’s Mile High Football Camp set for Aug. 3-4
Butte High’s 2026 Mile High Football Camp will be held Aug. 3-4 at Naranche Stadium.
The camp is for all from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade (as of the upcoming school year). Cost is $50 per camper, and the camp runs from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. both days. The cost includes a T-shirt and fundamental instructions from the Butte High coaching staff.
A family rate discount of $10 will be offered for each additional camper.
Players should wear football cleats, if they have them, a shirt and shorts. They should also bring a water bottle.
Click her for a camp flyer and more information.
The ButteCast with Bill Foley 