Former Butte College men's basketball coach passes away at 85

By Sharon Martin
Chico Enterprise-Record

BUTTE VALLEY — John Abell left his legacy becoming one of the most winningest coaches in Butte College history.

Abell, who coached the Butte men’s basketball team for 17 seasons, died on July 10. Abell was 85.

During his tenure as the Roadrunners head coach, Abell won two state championships and 14 conference championships. He guided the Roadrunners to 15 California State Junior College Tournament appearances, including 10 in a row.

“He is a legendary basketball coach at Butte College,” said former Butte athletic director and football coach Craig Rigsbee. “If you go into the gym a lot of the (championship) banners are his teams.”

Part of Abell’s success includes producing 15 all-American and 28 all-conference players. His team had also won 70 consecutive conference games including a winning stretch of 115 of 116 games. He was honored as the conference coach of the year 12 times and he is also a two-time state coach of the year.

Click here to read the entire story from the Chico Enterprise-Record