Butch Lumby
High School Honors
3 football letters: 1st Team All-PIL running back.
3 track and field letters: 3-time PIL 100-yard dash champion (1960, 1961 and 1962); 2-time PIL 220-yard dash champion (1961 and 1962).
Post-High School Career
Track and field letter winner at Oregon State University; Pacific Coast Conference 100- and 220-yard champion.
Butch coached track & field and taught at Jackson High School for one year before moving to San Jose where he continued coaching for another 22 years.
Commentary
Butch Lumby’s legacy in the Portland Interscholastic League is defined by a rare combination of explosive athleticism and a lifelong commitment to the student-athletes of Portland. A standout multi-sport athlete and a dedicated mentor, Butch’s journey from the starting blocks to the coaching sidelines exemplifies the spirit ofthe PIL Hall of Fame.
High School Excellence at Grant
During his time at Grant High School, Butch was a formidable presence on both the gridiron and the track. He played three years of varsity football, earning 1st Team All-PIL honors as a running back in both 1961 and 1962. However, it was on the track where he truly left an indelible mark. Butch was a vital member of the Grant High School state championship team in 1961 and secured individual Oregon state championships in the 100-yard and 220-yard dashes in both 1961 and 1962.
Butch made history as the first PIL athlete to win the PIL 100-yard championship three years in a row (1960–1962). His blistering time of 9.8 seconds set a PIL record that had stood for an astounding 38 years. Throughout these formative years, Butch was fortunate to be guided by legendary coach Denny Sullivan. "Sully" served as a coach, a mentor, a father figure, and friend from 1958 until his passing in 2019, playing an instrumental role in shaping Butch’s life and character.
Collegiate Career at Oregon State
Butch continued his dominance at Oregon State University from 1963 to 1966. As a freshman, he immediately made his mark by setting school records in the 100-yard and 220-yard dashes. His success only grew as a sophomore, when he became a member of the Pacific 8 Conference Northern Division 440-yard and mile relay teams. His 440-yard relay team set a school record, and Butch personally won the Northern Division titles in both the 100-yard and 220-yard dashes.
During his tenure, the Beavers were undefeated in dual meet competition, and Butch famously won the Mt. Sac Invitational 100-yard dash in a lightning-fast 9.5 seconds. Recognized for his leadership and character, he was selected as team captain in 1966 by his teammates at OSU.
A Legacy of Coaching and Teaching
After his competitive days concluded, Butch dedicated his life to education and mentorship. He coached and taught at Jackson for one year before moving to San Jose where he coached another 22 years.
As a coach, Butch translated his personal excellence into a passion for teaching, guiding a new generation of runners with the same discipline and integrity he learned from Coach Sullivan. For his family and the many athletes he mentored, Butch Lumby remains a cornerstone of Portland’s storied athletic history, leaving a legacy that will be cherished for generations to come.
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