04/18/2026
One of our own
Check out our spring Nex-Tech Wireless Supporting Cast feature on Herington's Butch Schlesener, a slowpitch softball Hall of Famer and Kansas officiating legend.
After five decades on the hardwood, Butch Schlesener’s impact on Kansas basketball extends far beyond the games he officiated.
Schlesener has spent 50 years as a basketball official, including 43 registered with the Kansas State High School Activities Association. Over that time, he built a reputation not just for knowing the rules, but for how he treated the people within the game.
“He’s someone who truly loves the game—not just the rules, but the people in it,” his daughter, Cisti Hensley, said.
That approach defined his career. Schlesener became known for taking time to talk with players, offering corrections with respect, and encouraging them to improve. His focus remained on helping the game be played the right way while recognizing the athletes behind the uniforms.
Throughout his career, he officiated multiple state tournament games and regularly worked alongside respected officials such as David Johnson, Josh Tanking and James Riffel. His preparation and dedication left a lasting impression on those he worked with.
“I would say that Butch was a great mentor to me during my career and I wouldn’t have been near the official I was without his mentorship,” Johnson said. “Nobody spent more time studying the rule book and he was always prepared for any situation that may arise during a game.”
Schlesener’s contributions to athletics extend beyond basketball. He was inducted into the Midwest Slowpitch Softball Hall of Fame in 2016, following in the footsteps of his father, Harlan, a fastpitch softball hall of famer. His involvement in softball created connections across communities, where, as Johnson noted, “You couldn’t go anywhere without Butch knowing someone he had played softball with or against over the years.”
Even as he has reduced his officiating schedule in recent years, Schlesener remains a presence at games, often supporting fellow officials and cheering on his granddaughter at Rural Vista.
In 2023, he was honored by KSHSAA for his years of service, a fitting recognition for a dedicated career.
“Not only is he a great official, he is an even better person,” Johnson said. “No one cares more about calling a perfect game than Butch, even if that isn’t realistic.”
📱 From officials to administrators to volunteers and more, help Kansas Pregame and Nex-Tech Wireless recognize the generous individuals who make high school athletics a reality through countless behind the scenes jobs. DM us nominees with details about their support of athletics in Kansas communities. 💬
Herington, Kansas Kansas State High School Activities Association Midwest Slowpitch Hall of Fame KVOE 1400 AM, Country 101.7 FM, Mix 104.9 FM and KVOE.com Rural Vista Athletics
