Adams Avenue in Ravenswood holds profound significance for Butch Varney, a place where indelible memories were forged through decades of dedicated coaching. This weekend marks a monumental milestone in Varney’s illustrious career as he, along with ten other distinguished individuals, will be formally inducted into the Mid-Ohio Valley Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 at the Grand Pointe Conference and Reception Center in Vienna, West Virginia. The prestigious ceremony, commencing Saturday evening at 6 p.m., is set to honor those who have significantly shaped the region’s athletic landscape.
Varney’s induction highlights an extraordinary commitment to developing young athletes, particularly in the sports of basketball and tennis. His tenure at Ravenswood High School saw both programs achieve remarkable success, cementing his legacy as a transformative figure in West Virginia high school sports. The gymnasium where he coached the revered Ravenswood girls’ basketball teams now proudly bears his name, recognized as the Butch Varney Court within the Devilette Athletic Center, a testament to his lasting impact.
Among his numerous achievements, Varney guided his girls’ basketball teams to incredible heights, including a memorable Class AA State Championship title in 1982. This historic victory, a 65-32 triumph over Dunbar, was notable for being the first state championship basketball game ever played at what is now the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center. His teams consistently demonstrated excellence, with four Devilette squads reaching the Class AA state semifinals and a remarkable fourteen sectional titles secured under his leadership.
Varney’s influence extended beyond the court, fostering a sense of community and dedication among his players. His journey saw him progress from coaching at the grade school level to middle school, eventually mentoring many of the same talented girls who would contribute to the state championship team. This continuity underscores his long-term investment in athlete development and the strong bonds he forged within the Ravenswood sports community.
In a unique turn, Varney will share this special induction night with another Ravenswood coaching luminary, Mick Price, with whom he previously collaborated as an assistant coach for the boys’ basketball program. Varney fondly recalls their time together, including a quirky post-practice tradition involving a Milky Way and Coke, underscoring the camaraderie that defined his coaching career. This shared honor further emphasizes the deep roots and rich history of coaching excellence in Ravenswood.
Beyond basketball, Varney also spearheaded the establishment of the girls’ softball program at Ravenswood in 1985 and 1986, demonstrating his versatility and passion for expanding athletic opportunities. In later years, he continued to contribute to the sport, returning to the basketball bench at both Ravenswood and Ripley. His dedication culminated in the unique opportunity to coach his own granddaughter while assisting his former player, Cara Williams, illustrating a full circle of mentorship and family legacy within the sport.
Varney’s presence coincided with a golden era for Ravenswood High School, a period characterized by an abundance of exceptional athletes across various sports. The strong community ties, reinforced by the relocation of families from Williamson—including friends like Bryan Canterbury, a fellow Mid-Ohio Valley Sports Hall of Famer—to work at Kaiser in Jackson County, further enriched the athletic environment. These connections underscored the tight-knit community spirit that fostered such sporting prowess.
Indeed, his move to Ravenswood brought with it cherished days spent on Adams Avenue and throughout the town’s vibrant neighborhoods. Surrounded by a supportive family, including his basketball-talented younger brothers Greg and Gary, and his sister Chris, a Ravenswood cheerleader, Varney’s personal life was deeply intertwined with the town’s athletic heartbeat. His story is a powerful narrative of how a community and its sports programs can profoundly shape an individual’s life and legacy.
As Butch Varney steps into the Mid-Ohio Valley Sports Hall of Fame, he not only receives well-deserved recognition but also symbolizes the enduring spirit and proud tradition of athletic excellence within Jackson County. His induction stands as a testament to a career defined by passion, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to both the game and the young lives he touched, forever engraving his name among the region’s greatest sports figures.
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