It’s never been about the number of wins, the league or district championships or even about state championships for Sue Butz-Stavin.
For the 43 incredible years that the head field hockey coach has been manning the sidelines at Emmaus, it’s always been one thing, and one thing only: the kids.
That’s what the legendary coach talks about when she reflects back on her coaching career and all the success she has had in running arguably the greatest dynasty in Lehigh Valley sports and across the state of Pennsylvania.
On Sunday evening at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in Fogelsville, the spotlight was all about the 65-year-old coach as she was inducted into the inaugural District 11 Athletic Hall of Fame.
“It’s absolutely quite an honor,” said Butz-Stavin, who was joined with her husband Bob, who is a fixture at all games, East Penn School District Superintendent Kristen Campbell, principal Dr. Kate Kieres, athletic director Rebecca George and former athletic director Dennis Ramella.
“When I reflect back over the years, it’s really not about me. It’s about all the individuals that have played field hockey for Emmaus and all the coaches that have been here and the dynamic job they have done for this program.”
“It’s all about tradition and we are just trying to keep honoring that for what our (former coach) Ginny Huber started back in 1960.”
And what Butz-Stavin has upheld all these years.
Her resume?
During her time at Emmaus, all she’s done has coached in 1,053 games, with an incredible 89 percent winning percentage (938-80-35). Her team’s have won 35 conference titles, 32 District XI Championships including the last 29 in a row and 12 PIAA State Championships.
“Sue’s credentials are unmatched,” said Emmaus athletic director Rebecca George. “(She) brought national recognition to the Lehigh Valley and the sport of Field Hockey. The East Penn School District is delighted to see her inducted with the first class and honored to have her as a part of the Emmaus Community, and proud to have her on our staff. ”
Butz-Stavin was one of 14 inductees honored along with J. Birney Crum, Diane Decker, John Donmoyer, Al Erdosy, Matt Gerhad, Michelle Marciniak, Ed McCaffrey, Bob Mlkvy, Ray Nunamker, Artie Owens, J. Milo Sewards, Alyssa Vavra and Larry Miller, who lived next door to Butz-Stavin’s godmother.
With all the success she has had, perhaps an induction into a Hall of Fame would be the top honor for some, but not for Butz-Stavin. Instead, it always goes back to the one reason why she started coaching in the first place.
“I don’t look it at that way at all,” said Butz-Stavin of the induction. ” I’m just here for every game and trying to figure out how we can be successful. It’s not me about. It’s all about the kids and the program here at Emmaus High School.”
Well said, coach, but it couldn’t be done without you — as most would agree.