|
Mr.
"Role Model" would be an apt name for Butch
Lincoln. He graduated from Kotzebue High School in
1991. During his basketball career, he led Kotzebue
to a 3A Region Championship and was twice named to
the All State Team. He was a deadly three-point
shooter with a quick release that was very
difficult to guard against. While his basketball
skills were outstanding, his leadership in other
areas was more impressive. He was an example for
all in decorum and sportsmanship.
He continued to lead by example in his college
career at UAA. He became the first Alaskan Native
to earn a full scholarship to UAA. He played all
four years at the college level and increased his
presence substantially over those four years. He
was a crowd favorite and his presence on the court
brought energy and excitement to the team and fans.
He modeled determination, hard work and
sportsmanship every day. His accomplishments on the
court were amazing, considering he was only
5'6"&emdash;a pest among giants. While a member of
the UAA team, he was instrumental in persuading the
University to play some home games in rural Alaska.
One of those games was in Kotzebue, his hometown.
During that game, the gymnasium was packed with
1,300 fans that came to honor him by retiring his
high school number. He graduated from UAA in 1996
with an accounting degree.
Butch has returned to his roots and works for a
Native Corporation and continues to be a role model
for rural Alaskan youth. He is often seen in
posters through out rural Alaska promoting a
healthy lifestyle and serves as positive role model
for other Alaskan Native young people.
|