Triton College Names Chris Butz as New Head Wrestling Coach
RIVER GROVE, Ill. — The Triton College Athletic Department has named Chris Butz as the sixth head wrestling
coach in program history. The timing for Butz to take over the Trojans wrestling program
could not have worked out better as he comes to River Grove after a four-year run
as head coach at Morton College, who discontinued their program at the conclusion
of the 2024-25 season.
"We are pleased to welcome Coach Butz to the Triton College family," said Associate
Vice President of Athletics Garrick Abezetian. "He comes in with a wealth of coaching experience at this level and is familiar with
the talent in our area which should allow our wrestling team to remain strong."
"I am honored and excited to become the sixth head coach in Triton College wrestling
program history," Butz said. "I look forward to continuing the success of the program
and recruiting guys that can compete in the classroom and on the national stage."
While at Morton, Butz led the return of men's wrestling along with coaching the Panthers
women's wrestling program from its inception. He produced 22 NJCAA National Qualifiers
and had his first NJCAA All-American this past season.
Butz comes from a family rich in coaching as his grandfather was one of the founding
fathers of spearheading youth sports in his hometown of Bensenville where he still
resides, with his wife Cecile and their two children. Butz' father for many years
served as a youth, high school and college coach in the area.
With coaching in the family genes, Butz got his first opportunity in 2014 as assistant
wrestling coach at his alma mater, Fenton High School where he was a three-sport athlete.
Butz excelled becoming a two-time state qualifier in wrestling along with being captain
of the Bison football team, helping both squads to conference titles.
Butz has made stops at Foreman College and Career Academy in Chicago, where he coached
three sports, including being head wrestling coach. He also served as running backs
and tight ends coach at North Park University in Chicago, head wresting coach at Eisenhower
Junior High School in Darien and from 2018-20, as assistant wresting coach at Westmont
High School.
Butz played football at North Park where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in history
and education.
After having to compete against Triton during his tenure at Morton, Butz has seen
from afar what has made the Triton wresting program one of the best in the NJCAA and
believes he is up to the challenge of maintaining that standard of success.
"The key to bringing in these top-tier athletes is not only showing off the amazing
opportunities and facilities here at Triton College but building a rapport with these
athletes and showing them that I have their back in all their athletic, academic and
personal pursuits."
Follow Triton Athletics on Twitter @TritonTrojans1 or on Instagram @Triton_College_Athletics
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Media Contacts:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3496
Hunter Oberst | hunteroberst@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3820
ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE
Triton College is an institution of higher education dedicated to student success.
Triton offers more than 120 degree and certificate programs designed for students
to realize their career aspirations and effectively compete in a global economy. The
college campus spans 110 acres in River Grove, Illinois, holds classes at satellite
locations and offers online learning opportunities. Triton’s exemplary faculty and
staff work to provide high-quality, convenient and affordable educational opportunities
to more than 10,000 students each year. Triton College is a member of The Community
Colleges of Illinois and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Learn more
at triton.edu.