By Bruce Sayler
Probably nobody in Butte really thought such a project could be kept a secret so long.
J.R. Richardson was in on it, so were brothers Ross and Ryan Richardson, along with Arie Grey, Luke Anderson, Keelie Anderson, Jeremy Whitlock, etc. They kept it since March.
Who wasn’t in on it was Colt Anderson – until this recent Tuesdayl.
That was when the unveiling took place in the Butte High athletics wing of the now-named “Colt Anderson Strength & Conditioning Center.”
It is a Butte Athletic Council project and updates the old Butte High weight room with new equipment, murals, fresh paint and with some added technology along the way.
“I took the naming request to the school board in April,” J.R. Richardson, of the booster club, said before Tuesday’s gathering, “and surprisingly it has remained quiet enough that Colt is unaware.”
Anderson, the nine-year National Football League veteran out of Butte High and the University of Montana is about to begin his second season on the coaching staff of the San Francisco 49ers with previous coaching stints with the Cincinnati Bengals and Tennessee Titans, all in special teams, since his playing career ended.
He returns every summer to conduct his Dream Big Foundation showcase for kids that began Thursday with a family fun area and evening entertainment in Uptown Butte. Friday will be the skills camp and involves several current and former NFL players and other celebrities interacting with and instructing kids who have signed up for the camp at Naranche Stadium. A Friday night cocktail party and auction at the Copper King Inn will cap off the week.
The weight room unveiling Tuesday was preceded by a gathering of Butte sports community members – coaches, players, former players, booster clubbers, family, administrators, media, educators, etc., in the Ross J. Richardson (J.R.’s late father) Memorial Gym at Butte High. J.R. Richardson explained the project and the surprise party about to greet Colt.
“During Colt’s nine years in the NFL, he never spent his offseason at elite training facilities or expensive performance centers,” J.R. Richardson said. “Instead, he came home to Butte with his family. He worked out in the Butte High weight room alongside his brother Luke and friends Ryan and Ross Richardson (J.R.’s nephews), and whoever was willing to battle through a workout with him. Day after day, year after year, they pushed him, challenged him and helped him stay ready to compete at the highest level. While he was there, he spent countless hours encouraging and helping young athletes in our community. He was never too busy and never too big for the youth of Butte.”
Anderson, who played for the Minnesota Vikings, Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bill in his NFL career, was lured to gathering thinking it was going to be about planning for his Dream Big Montana event.
“I’m speechless,” the stunned Anderson said after several silent seconds at the microphone following Richardson’s announcement describing the weight room project and naming. “All of you guys affected my life in positive ways.”
The stunned honoree almost seemed to think the audience members’ names should go on the room for inspiring him.
He added that it was Richardson who first showed started him on weight training.
He looked around the room and pointed out some in attendances, such as his brother Luke and Ryan Richardson and football coach Grey for being supportive and of help to his careers. Anderson never played for Grey, but did join his coaching staff for a short time after the NFL years ended.
“The culture here is second to none,” Anderson said. “I wish I would’ve gotten into the weight room a little faster.”
Anderson joined the congregation in the stroll from the gym to the weight room.
The renovations began while school was still in session and Richardson said Grey had to tell people wanting to use it that it was being painted to keep the secret intact. The walls include paintings and a mural of Anderson in his football career.
“It’s a tribute to a lot of people,” Anderson said, still shy and appreciative about and for the attention and honor.
Richardson said it will end up being a $140,000 to $150,000 state-of-the-art weight room when completely finished. Some electronics are still to be installed.
“We always say you play with a chip on your shoulder when you play for Butte,” Richardson said. “So, we wanted to name it for someone who exemplifies it – somebody you’ll recognize walking into a room 10, 20 years from now.”
An hour later, Anderson was still taking laps around the newly renovated performance center thanking supporters and shaking hands, doing his dangest to acknowledge everyone there.
The shining star being thanked by his community, just wanted to extend his gratitude to it.
Butte, as it turns out, IS Colt Anderson’s special team.
