C. Anthony Butowicz (1978) - Hall of Fame - University of Akron Athletics

C. Anthony Butowicz

Induction:
1978
Class:
1965

1961-64
Offensive Line

When Gordon Larson was named the new head football coach at Akron in 1961, he had already decided who one of his first recruits was going to be. As an assistant at Ohio State the previous year, Larson had recruited this talented individual. When this young lad from Akron St. Vincent was named honorary captain of the Akron Beacon Journal’s All-District team, Larson made sure that this athlete was going to the University by making him his first recruit at Akron. That player’s name was Tony Butowicz.

Larson’s choice and Butowicz’s decision worked out to their mutual benefit. Butowicz became a starter as a freshman and continued as a starter throughout his four years. En route to helping rejuvenate the Akron football program, which produced a 25-10 record in four seasons, Butowicz accomplished a feat that had never been achieved by a UA athlete. He was named to the All-Ohio Conference team all four years—the first season on the second team and the subsequent three years as a first team pick.

Standing 6-0 and weighing 185 pounds, one would have never suspected that Butowicz was a lineman—a quick pulling guard.

“He was one of the finest linemen I’ve ever coached,” praised a proud Larson. “Proud for pound you couldn’t find many better than Butowicz.”

He also might qualify as the youngest player to ever start on a Zip grid squad. He played practically most of that 1961 season as a 17-year old. In one game, because of a pulled hamstring muscle Butowicz was moved over to a tackle spot.

“We had a lot of faith in his ability as a player and he didn’t disappoint us,” Larson said.

He blocked and led interference for many fine backs, including Hal of Fame John Lahoski, George Deo, Joe Mackey, and Joe Richardson among others.

Besides being a four-time All-OC pick, Butowicz was voted the most outstanding during his freshman season and again in his senior season. As a sophomore he was selected as the team’s Touchdown Club Trophy winner, emblematic of the most outstanding lineman.