Celebrating the Maroon Legends: Butte Central Honors the 2026 Hall of Fame Class

Butte Central Catholic Schools celebrated a special group of Maroons during Homecoming Week as nine outstanding individuals were inducted into the Maroon “Legends” Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame was created to recognize individuals, families, coaches, and supporters whose accomplishments, leadership, dedication, and service have helped build the proud tradition of Butte Central Catholic High School. The 2026 class was selected by the Butte Central Education Foundation and honored during Homecoming festivities on September 11.

This year's class represents decades of Maroon excellence, from outstanding athletes and coaches to individuals whose commitment to Butte Central has extended far beyond the playing field.

The 2026 Maroon Legends

Otto Simon — Class of 1953The late Otto Simon was an outstanding Maroon football player who continued his playing career at the University of Montana. He later returned to Butte Central, where he became a respected basketball and offensive line coach, helping shape generations of Maroon athletes.

Mick Delaney — Class of 1961Delaney enjoyed an outstanding playing career at Butte Central before becoming a highly successful coach. His career included coaching positions at Butte Central, Montana State University, Colorado State University, Montana Western, and the University of Montana. He also led Great Falls High School to a Class AA state football championship.

Dan Mahoney — Class of 1969A standout in both football and basketball, Mahoney was a member of the 1969 Butte Central basketball team that upset Wolf Point at the State Basketball Tournament. He went on to play linebacker for Montana Tech and competed in the 1970 Copper Bowl.

Bernie Boyle — Class of 1971Boyle is being recognized for a lifetime of service to Butte Central. He served for many years as chair of the BC Booster Club, played an important role in the development and construction of the Maroon Activities Center, and continues to serve on the Butte Central Education Board of Directors.

Tom Kenney — Class of 1985Kenney was an outstanding two-sport athlete at Butte Central, earning All-State honors in both football and basketball. He helped lead the Maroons to the 1984 State Basketball Championship and a runner-up finish in 1985 before continuing his football career at Colorado State University.

Julie (Leary) Nadeau — Class of 1988Nadeau was one of the premier players in Lady Maroons basketball history. An All-State selection, she ranks among the school's all-time leading scorers and helped establish a tradition of excellence for Butte Central girls basketball.

Theresa Rader — Class of 1993Rader starred in both basketball and softball and earned All-State honors. She was a member of Butte Central's first-ever softball team and continued her athletic career at Jamestown University. She later returned to BC as an assistant coach in both basketball and softball.

Katie English — Class of 1993English was another outstanding two-sport athlete, earning All-State honors in both basketball and softball. A member of the inaugural Butte Central softball team, she continued playing both sports at Jamestown University before returning to help coach the Lady Maroons.

Shirley TurleyThe late Shirley Turley dedicated herself to Lady Maroons basketball as a coach during the late 1970s and early 1980s. She served as an assistant coach on Butte Central's 1981 and 1982 State Championship teams and played an important role in one of the most successful eras in BC girls basketball history.

Honoring the Maroon Tradition

The Maroon “Legends” Hall of Fame is about more than wins, championships, and individual accomplishments. It is a celebration of the people who have helped make Butte Central what it is today.

The 2026 class represents different generations and different paths of service, but each inductee shares a common connection: a commitment to Butte Central and the Maroon tradition.

Butte Central President Don Peoples Jr. expressed the school's pride in the newest Hall of Fame class, saying the inductees represent the very best of the Maroon tradition.

Their stories remind today's students and athletes that being a Maroon doesn't end when graduation day arrives. The lessons learned in the classroom, on the court, on the field, and throughout the Butte Central community can become a lifelong commitment to serving others and strengthening the school for future generations.

As Butte Central continues to celebrate its past while looking toward the future, the Maroon “Legends” Hall of Fame provides an important opportunity to remember the people whose accomplishments and dedication helped pave the way.

Congratulations to the 2026 Maroon “Legends” Hall of Fame inductees.

Once a Maroon, always a Maroon.

Go Maroons!