Ron "Butch" Hansen was recently inducted into the Illinois Athletic Directors Association's Hall of Fame. Hansen served as Community High School's athletic director from 1973-1993. He also taught math and physical education for 15 years and spent many years coaching football, baseball, basketball, wresting and track during 33 years in West Chicago schools. Hansen is an alumnus of Community High School and Northern Illinois University. After graduation, he taught and coached at West Chicago Junior High School, then moved to the high school in 1962.

Hansen helped to formulate the policies and guidelines for the DuPage Valley Conference when it was formed, and helped to pass the successful 1976 referendum that funded the construction of the fieldhouse and pool. He was defensive coordinator for the 1974 state champion football team. Richard Howard was principal at Community High School during many of the years that Hansen served at school. "One of his most important contributions was his attitude that girls sports were as important as boys," said Howard. "He made some important changes that backed that up," he added. "I am deeply honored," said Hansen. "It's a tremendous honor to be recognized by this group."

The Community High School connection didn't end with Hansen's retirement. He was added to the school's Hall of Honor in 1994 and now serves as a director for the CHS Educational Foundation and a member of the Alumni Council. The connection has also been extended to the next generation: all three of his children attended Community High School, and his son Greg is a physical education teacher and coach there. "I really feel it an honor and privilege to come back and teach at West Chicago," said Greg. "It is truly enjoyable to be on the staff and working with those teachers who sparked my interest in becoming a teacher and coach. I also credit my father (and mother) for instilling a strong values system and supporting me and my decisions throughout life. Every day at We-Go is filled with exciting and interesting events. One thing I look forward to each day is when I go to the main office and am able to see my father's name and picture on the Wall Of Honor. He is truly a man of dignity. I love and respect him with all of my heart."

In addition to his place in the AD's Hall of Fame, Butch Hansen has earned a permanent home in the hearts and minds of students and staff at Community High School.