Davies Honored at Bulldogs’ Home Opener

Jack Davies led the Butler Bulldogs football program to a remarkable 128-24-2 record in his 16 seasons as head coach from 1967 to 1983.

He guided his teams to eight conference championships and two state titles. Fans loved him for bringing the Bulldogs so much success on the field.

Davies, however, was much more than just a winner.

He was also a leader, a teacher, and a mentor. His players loved him for helping them grow from boys to men.

On Friday night, nearly 30 years since he coached his last game for the Bulldogs, Davies stepped foot onto Memorial Field to be honored.

At halftime of Butler’s 48-0 Davies was presented with a bronze plaque listing his many accomplishments over his ultra-successful run as head coach of the Bulldogs.

He was flanked by dozens of his former players, those boys he helped mold into men, all of whom came out to help pay tribute to their former coach and forever friend.

“This means a lot,” said the now softspoken Davies. “I’m shocked that so many kids were here and they came from all over, even Florida and Pennsylvania.”

Davies shouldn’t seem so surprised. He was, and still is, revered by his former players. One of those players who came out on Friday to visit with and honor his former coach was Barry Van Zile. Van Zile and his two brothers, Mike and Gibby, all played football at Butler for Davies.

Barry, who played defensive back for the Bulldogs from 1971 to 1973, spoke fondly of his former coach and mentor.  

“He made you work to be the best you could possibly be every Saturday when you walked on that field,” Van Zile said. “Was he in your face when you did something wrong? Sure, but you know what, you never did it wrong twice. And it was because of the respect and admiration that we all had for him.“

“Next to my father and my uncle, he is the most respected individual I could ever imagine. He’s an incredible human being.”

Davies’ run of success can’t be overlooked or overstated, but it’s not the only thing he prefers to be remembered for.

“I remember a lot of the wins and even some of the losses for sure, but I always kept the game in perspective,” Davies said. “I don’t think I ever went overboard where it’s do or die. It is a game, a game that we like to play.”

After residing in Butler for well over 20 years, Davies and his wife now live in Florida.

They made a special trip back to New Jersey for the occasion. Despite the long distance traveled from there to here and the long time passed from 1983 till today, Davies’ heart is still in Butler.    

“We have friends down there (Florida) now,” Davies said. “But this is home."