Tuesday night brought a lot of fans to the Butler Gym to watch both the girls and boys basketball teams play ball but it also brought many memories of games and playing ball in the past.
This was not the first time official games have been played in the former home of the Caldwell County Tigers but it was another chance to remember and talk about the good times shared by former players and fans. As you drove up to the parking lot the excitement began to build as drivers had to hunt for a place to park. The Bulter parking lot was full with overflow parking in adjoining lots. The streets around the Butler Campus was fill with vehicles parked on both sides of the streets. Once inside the front entrance the familiar concession stand located just behind the ticket booth was busy with fans gathering their refreshments for the game. When fans entered the main floor to search for seats there were scenes of people gathered talking, laughing and sharing memories of time spent in the historic gym. Phil VanHooser shared it has been around 50 years since he regularly came to the gym to cheer on his team.
click to download audioVanHooser noticed all the vehicles when he arrived and it reminded him of how many vehicles gathered around the area when he played football in the adjoining football stadium.
click to download audioBeing at the games brought back memories for Ford Branch of when he coached the first Caldwell County girls basketball team nearly 50 years ago.
click to download audioBranch formed friendships with those former players that he continues to enjoy.
click to download audioGames like this brings back memories for Branch of the beginning of the girls basketball program.
click to download audioRonnie Cash said as he entered the building it brought back memoires of many good times he had playing ball inside the gym.
click to download audioOne memory Cash has is instructions from Coach Byrd but most are of fun times with friends in the gym.
click to download audioWhen the games ended there had been a lot of smiles and laughs with fans looking forward to the next time to visit the familiar gym.
