10/25/12 Ancilla College has hired Aaron Butcher as their new men’s basketball coach.
Butcher is the first head coach of the men’s basketball team that was once a student-athlete in the Charger program.
“I would like to thank Dr. May, Dr. Blount, and Mr. Gene Reese for the opportunity to lead the men’s basketball program here at Ancilla,” began Butcher. “Having played here, I take great pride in this program. The last three seasons, working for Coach Tonagel at Indiana Wesleyan, has helped prepare me for this opportunity and I am excited for what’s in store.”
He comes to Ancilla after a three year stint as assistant coach at Indiana Wesleyan, where he had a part in two NAIA Elite Eight finishes and three Mid-Central Conference championships. Before that Butcher led the Northfield girls basketball to the biggest program turnaround in the state of Indiana, inheriting a 3-18 team that finished with 15 wins under his tutelage.
Ancilla Athletic Director Gene Reese was very excited to speak of his new basketball coach. “Aaron is a great choice because he embodies the values we look for in the athletic department. He prioritizes academics, has a strong spiritual background, as well as an outstanding expertise in basketball.”
The Wabash native earned his bachelor’s degree at Indiana Wesleyan University and will complete his master’s degree from Ball State this December.
Butcher replaces Greg Neeley, who has taken over as head men’s basketball coach and sports information director at Warren Wilson College in Piedmont, North Carolina. Neeley compiled a 17-34 record with the Chargers in two seasons.
He is married to the former Alison Chittick and has a five-year-old daughter, Kalli.
