Distinguished Service Awarded to Springfield Football Chain Crew

Before the start of Thursday’s home football game, football fans gathered together to celebrate the Springfield Chain Crew for receiving the MSHSL Distinguished Service Award. Recipients of the award were George Tauer, Cal Buddensiek, Alan “Butch” Krebs, and Steve “Buzz” Lang. Joining them was Randy Haseleu who received the award last year.  Below is the speech which shared their achievements in support of community athletics.  

“It is my honor today  to recognize the Springfield Chain Crew, consisting of George Tauer, Cal Buddensiek, Alan “Butch” Krebs, and Steve “Buzz” Lang as a Distinguished Service Award Winner!  

Back in 1975, Butch Krebs started working the chains at home Springfield Tiger Football games.  Butch worked the chains, and was the leader of the crew for 40 years, giving up the job in 2015.  In ’78, Butch recruited George Tauer to join the crew, and George has been working the chains, specifically the down marker, ever since, and next fall will be his 46th year!  Cal Buddensiek and Buzz Lang joined the crew 5 years later, with Buzz working the clip, and Calvin working one side of the chain, along with helping evaluate the officials!  All total, 165 years of experience with this crew working the chains, well over 600 games without being paid!

See complete story and more local sports stories and photos in this week's issue of the Springfield Advance-Press.