WHEELING - Bob Butts has experienced the full spectrum of football.
So when the former Union High School standout was invited to reunite with his peers from 1959 at Sunday night's Rudy Mumley OVAC All-Star Football Charity Classic he gladly accepted.
''I thought maybe they'd forget us,'' he laughed. ''It's really nice they're doing this. When you get older you appreciate this type of thing.''
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James Pfeiffer, left, and Ron Warble listen during the OVAC luncheon Tuesday for former all-star football players.
Butts was one of a handful of players who attended a luncheon Tuesday at WesBanco Arena to be briefed by conference officials on what will be taking place this week and at the game, the 67th for the conference entering its 70th season.
''To me, you guys are the reason we're here,'' said Game Director Bob Koch, stressing the importance of history in the contest.
''To have this game for almost 70 years is something to be proud of and you guys are a big part of it.''
Butts starred at Union before playing at Ohio State for Woody Hayes. He also enjoyed time in the pros with the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets and the Wheeling Ironmen.
Following his playing career, Butts returned to the valley and served as a coach at Cadiz, Woodsfield and Union Local. His career closed as an administrator at Union Local.
''I played in this game coming out out of high school and the Blue-Gray Game coming out of Ohio State,'' Butts said. ''Those two all-star games ... they had great meaning for me.''
Butts, who kicked the winning extra-point in West Virginia's 7-6 triumph in 1959, also had the pleasure of watching his two sons - Rob and Doug - represent the Jets in the game,
''I was very fortunate to be able to do those things. It was a big part of my life. Anytime you're picked to play in something it's special.''
In addition to Butts, other players slated to be honored from the 1959 game include - Bob Albaugh (Triadelphia), Joe Bonar (Bellaire), Vernon Christian (Smithfield), James Companion (Wheeling), Pete Conaway (Bridgeport), Bob Fuller (Moundsville), Mel Mason (Cadiz), Bruce Modesitt (Parkersburg), David Monseau (Weir), Nick Musuraca (East Liverpool), Don Pavich (Powhatan), John Penneybacker (Union), Jim Pfeiffer (Triadelphia) and Ron Warble (Union).
Players from the 1960 contest who have RSVPd to attend Sunday include - Ben Brak (Union), John Dezio (Linsly), Mike Hayden (Parkersburg), Ed Jackson (Bellaire), Bob Koper (Weir), Paul Kosky (Warren Consolidated), Ron Marini (Wintersville), Mike Morrison (Parkersburg), Rich Myers (Wintersville), Jim Staib (Steubenville), Royce Starks (St. Clairsville), Lou Thomas (Bellaire), George Tomich (Shadyside) and Rudy Zatezalo (Moundsville).
All-Star Notes
