BUTLER TWP — Decades of dedication.

That’s what the 2015 Butler Football Hometown Hero induction class has in common.

Tom and Jim Menchyk, Gary Archer, Paul Frenchak, Merril Moses and John Prokopchak will comprise the 10th group to be inducted prior to the Golden Tornado’s Oct. 16 football game against Pine-Richland at Art Bernardi Stadium.

The last group inducted into the Butler Football Hometown Hero organization was the 1963 Butler varsity football team, which was recognized in 2013.

The Menchyk brothers have been filming Butler football together for 35 years. Moses operated the scoreboard clock for 30 years before giving it up in 2011.

Archer and Frenchak have anchored the “chain gang” along the sidelines for 30 years. Prokopchak kept statistics for the Butler varsity for 23 seasons.

“It was fun. I enjoyed it,” Moses said of operating the clock. “There was nothing hard about it. I worked as a football and basketball official for 30 years before that.

“I always liked staying involved, I guess. Once I hit 30 years, I figured that was beyond the call of duty.”

Tom Menchyk was an elementary school teacher in the Butler district for 35 years. His brother, Jim, played on Butler’s first hockey team in 1972-73.

Tom recalled taking photographs at Butler games on Friday nights and having them developed in his friend’s darkroom each Saturday morning.

“The photos would be available to the team and coaching staff each Monday and they’d look them over,” he said. “When Walt Lafkey wanted to give up filming the games, I transitioned into that role.”

That was in 1976. Over the past 39 years, Menchyk has used everything from 16 mm film to high-definition video. He has worked for 10 Butler head coaches — dating back to Art Bernardi — and has recorded nearly 450 Tornado football games.

“I played in a band during the 1980’s and we began getting some bookings on Friday nights,” Menchyk said. “That’s when I got my brother involved. He’d pick up some games for me while I played a gig.

“Jim would have a vacation scheduled and I’d do the game myself. We’ve always worked together over the years.”

Jim said he welcomed the opportunity to work the games.

“It’s Friday night, the bands, lights ... so much energy to it,” he said. “The atmosphere is fantastic. I mean, who doesn’t like high school football?

“Just watching all of the great players through the years ... Troy Nunes, Scott Milanovich, the playoff games ... it’s been a thrill.”

Archer began working the chains on the sidelines with John “Doc” Graham, himself a Butler Football Hometown Hero honoree, in 1983. Three years later, Graham died and Archer brought Frenchak on board to work with him.

“We both like doing it and it’s hard to get people to volunteer,” Archer said. “We’ve just stayed with it through the years.

“The referee and officials appreciate us because they don’t have to worry about us. They never have to tell us when to move or mark the sticks. It’s been second nature to us for a long time.”

Archer and Frenchak both spent more than a decade coaching in the Butler Area Midget Football League as well. Archer coached with Harry Leyland, Frenchak with Bob Conklin.

Frenchak is 71 and loves the perspective of being down on the sidelines during the games.

“I get fascinated just standing down there listening to the coaches,” he said. “Jack McCurry, Jim Rankin, Jim Render ...listening to legends like those guys talk to the players and staff through the course of a game has been amazing.

“I was in a bad car accident in 2012, was in Concordia for six months, but I vowed to make it back in time for the football season. I rehabbed hard and didn’t miss a game. I love it that much.

“There’s the camaraderie, too,” he added. “There’s a guy, Tony, who has worked the chains in New Castle forever. He’s got to be approaching 80. You get to know special people like that.”

Prokopchak compiled statistics for six Butler head coaches — Tim Nunes through Jeff McAnallen — before giving up those duties in 2009. He’s been involved with the Butler boosters for many years as well.

“Besides charting plays and stats, I did the tendencies for the coaches,” Prokopchak said. “How often a back went left or right, when a team tended to throw, things like that.

“I started off doing some scouting and transitioned into the charts and statistics.”

Once he charted statistics, Prokopchak had to do them quickly.

“It was always a rush thing,” he said. “The coaches wanted the stats by halftime and I had to get the final stats out to the newspapers.

“I used to ride to road games with the Menchyks. I can recall sitting in the backseat after games, using a flashlight while I was putting the numbers together.

“I’m honored to receive the call for the Hometown Heroes — especially going in with a dedicated bunch like these guys,” he added.