biography documentaries

  Jerry Proctor was coached by the great Walter Opp at John Muir High School, and he was preceded by Mustang legends like John House, Harold Busby, and Gilbert Blades.

Jerry became known in the track and field world during his junior season, and in his senior year, he cemented his name in history.

Jerry was named the 1967 Track and Field News Athlete of the Year and just two months later in Bakersfield, California, Jerry won the AAU championship.

Proctor went on to the University of Redlands where he continued to excel. 

A hamstring injury caused him to finish fourth in the 1968 Olympic trials.

A few weeks later Jerry won the NCAA championship. 

Though he remained competitive a second hamstring injury at the 1972 Olympic trials ended his chances of making the team.

In 1983 the University of Redlands honored Jerry by inducting him into its Hall of Fame. He was later inducted into the John Muir Alumni Association Hall of Fame in 1998. In 2020 he received recognition from the National High School Track & Field Hall of Fame. Jerry is also a 2025 inductee into the Pasadena Sports Hall of Fame.

  Walter Butler achieved national recognition at PHS in track and field. He broke the CIF record in the 120-yard-high hurdles. He represented his school, city, and state at the National High School Track and Field meet at the University of Texas, being the first of his race to compete on such a scale. 

At Pasadena City College he majored in Public Relations and Outdoor Advertising. He was on the Associated Men’s Student Board. He participated in football and track and field where he was the National Junior College Champion in the 120-yard-high hurdles.

In 1967 he signed a professional football contract for a small bonus and a chance to earn $12,000 in three months, and to be on the proud squad of the Los Angeles Rams, and he eventually played for the Denver Broncos.

Walt continued to run track after his football career and over the years he broke several Masters track and field records.

Walt was an educator and coach for decades, coaching students to state and national championships at PCC, and several other schools throughout PUSD and at Pasadena Poly Technical School. 

Walt Butler Shoes opened in 1979, and it became a staple of Northeast Pasadena for 30 years. During that time, Walt made sure kids in the community had access to sports gear, even when it meant him not making a profit. There are dozens of stories from people about what Walt did for them or their families.

Pasadena City College inducted Walt into its Hall of Fame Sports Hall of Fame, and throughout the ceremony, other athletes who were being inducted gave Walt praise and props for what he had done for them in their lives as a teammate, coach, and mentor.