Hall of Fame

Butch Raymond

  • Class
  • Induction
    2017
  • Sport(s)

Lloyd “Butch” Raymond
Coach/Administrator
Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference
 


Butch Raymond spent 51 years in intercollegiate athletics, 34 as a men’s basketball coach, seven as an administrator and 10 as the Commissioner of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. While many will remember the fiery coach courtside, some of Raymond’s most influential work was done behind a desk.

Raymond was named the fourth full-time commissioner in the history of the NSIC in the spring of 2004.  When he began his duties the NSIC consisted of eight institutions. Under the guidance of Raymond, the league expanded three times and doubled in size to the 16-institution super conference it is today. With the blend of both large and small institutions and communities joining the NSIC, Raymond stressed the importance of selflessness to administrators, looking to the future and what was best for the league and its student-athletes.  The NSIC flourished as in 2006 the league won its first team National Championship.  The NSIC would go on to win 12 more team national championships and crowned 36 individual national champions during Raymond’s reign.  Raymond’s leadership was not restricted to the league members, as he also served on various national committees, including the chair of the Conference Commissioners Association; Vice Chair of NCAA DII Management Council, National Chair for NCAA DII Basketball Committee and Regional Chair for football.

Raymond came to the NSIC Office from Southwest Minnesota State University, where he served as director of athletics and associate director of development from 1997 to 2004. While at SMSU, Raymond was responsible for all activities, budgeting, fund raising, marketing and promotions, compliance and day-to-day operations of 10 varsity sports as well as the overall athletics department. Raymond was also chair of the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Committee. During Raymond’s time at SMSU, the Mustang athletics department enjoyed prosperity on and off the playing field. SMSU athletic teams won 11 NSIC Championships, with 10 of the championships coming in the last four years. Seven SMSU athletic teams qualified for NCAA post-season play in his last four years, including the 2001 SMSU men’s basketball team which captured the North Central Region title and advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight. In the classroom, SMSU student-athletes recorded program-high grade point averages during Raymond’s tenure.

Prior to his stay at SMSU, Raymond was the men’s basketball coach at St. Cloud State University. In addition to managing the operations of the men’s basketball program, Raymond served as an associate professor in the school of health, physical education and recreation while leading the Huskies to three conference titles. Raymond was the all-time winningest coach in St. Cloud State history (231-141) until surpassed by his former assistant Kevin Schlagel.

Raymond also served as men’s basketball coach and coordinator of intercollegiate athletics at Minnesota State University, Mankato, then Mankato State University. He coached the basketball team from 1973-84, earning two conference titles. From 1978-82, Raymond coordinated all efforts for the men’s and women’s athletics departments. In addition, he was an associate professor in the school of health, physical education and recreation.

A graduate of Augsburg College, Raymond served as men’s basketball coach and assistant professor at his Alma Mater from 1969-1973. He also held the position of boys’ basketball coach at Fairmont and Minneapolis Southwest high schools. Raymond earned his master’s degree from Mankato State. Over the years, Raymond has been inducted into multiple Halls of Fame, including Pipestone/Jasper High School; Augsburg College; Minnesota State University, Mankato; St. Cloud State University and Southwest Minnesota State University.

Although retired, Raymond remains active with the NCAA, working at community engagement activities at national championships.  Butch and his wife, Linnea, reside in Eagan, Minnesota and have 15 grandchildren.