Trent Dues - Varsity Head Coach
Trent is in his 16th year as head coach at Butler after serving two years as the junior varsity coach. Trent is a graduate of Coldwater High School where he was a member of the 1987 state high school championship baseball team. Dues is also a graduate of Bowling Green State University, where he was a four year letterman for the Falcons baseball team.
Coach Dues took over a Butler Baseball program that had not won a league title since 1986. Under Dues' guidance, Butler has compiled a record of 331-132. In the 16 years that Coach Dues has been at the helm of the program, Butler has won 12 league championships. (11 consecutive between 1996 and 2006) Butler has never finished lower than 2nd in division standings. (95,07,08) During the 2009 season, Coach Dues picked up his 300th win as an Aviator, making him the winningest coach in school history.
Trent teaches Psychology and World Studies at the high school. He is married to the former Melissa Ebbing and they have three children, Damon, Mia, and Koby.
Scott Thompson - Varsity Assistant
Scott brings a four year catching career at Wright State University to the program. He started four years for the Raiders and excelled both behind and at the plate. Coach Thompson is in his 16th year as assistant varsity coach. Thompson coaches first base and works with the catchers and hitters.
Professionally, Scott is a foreman for Bryant Construction. He and his wife Tracy have three daughters, Kayla, Cassie, and Taylor. Scott is originally from Rose City, Michigan where he was an all-state catcher for Ogemaw Heights.
Steve Clark - Varsity Assistant
Steve comes from Barton, Maryland. He played his college ball at Allegheny College (where he teamed with John Kruk) before transferring to Frostburg State where he was an outfielder. Coach Clark is the Vandalia City Recreation Director. Previously Coach Clark was a very successful head freshmen coach for five years before moving up to varsity assistant ten years ago. Steve is married to the former Melanie Riggs, with whom he has three daughters, Peyton, Riley and Katlyn and a son, Carson.
Mike Bardonaro - Junior Varsity Head Coach
Mike is in his ninth year as head coach of the JV team. Coach Bardonaro has enjoyed a great deal of success in his previous eight seasons. During his tenure, the JV team has had a number of 20-win seasons. Mike is a graduate of Chaminade-Julienne High School and Wright State University where he was a member of the baseball team at both schools. Mike teaches World Studies at the high school and is married to the former Heidi Buschur.
Gus Bardonaro - Junior Varsity Assistant Coach
Gus is in his seventh season as assistant coach, working with his son Mike. Gus played his high school ball at Elder High School and coached for five years at Chaminade-Julienne High School, while his two oldest sons played there. Gus and his wife Marcia have one daughter and three sons.
Dave Ryerse - Junior Varsity Assistant Coach
The newest addition to the Butler Baseball family, Coach Ryerse joins the Aviators after 12 seasons at Wayne High School, where he coached at the freshman and junior varsity level. Dave and his wife Debbie reside in Butler Township along with their three girls, Chelsea, Taylor, and Alyssa. Coach Ryerse works for the Veteran's Administration.
Eric Nawroth - Freshman Coach
Eric is in his fourth season as a freshman coach. A 1998 Butler graduate, Eric was a RHP for the Aviators. As a former player, Eric was a part of the streak of 11 consecutive league titles.
Scott Jones - Freshman Coach
Scott is in his third season as a freshman coach. A 1992 Northmont graduate, Coach Jones played four years of baseball at Miami University, where he was a pitcher for the Redskins. After graduation, Scott played several seasons in the Boston Red Sox organization, getting as high as AA.
