Laten Butler is shown with a teammate at SGS WISE Campus.
What a year it’s been for Laten Butler and it’s only continuing throughout the summer.
After putting a cherry on top of a phenomenal high school career with the Southern League MVP honor for varsity football, Butler has attended two all star games followed by a special week in England.
Butler attended the EXACT X1 Showcase Camp last summer in Stockton and was selected to join the EXACT Sports All-American team held in the United Kingdom at SGS WISE Campus earlier this month.
“It was really fun,” Butler said.
“It was nice to be taught by some college coaches and to see what it’s like at the next level.”
High school level athletes who are selected for this camp train and play exhibition games against UK talent.
Butler made the week-long trip oversees with his mother, Jenny, to train and see the sites.
“I was there for an entire week, Monday to Monday,” Butler explained.
“We would practice in the mornings and meet up in the afternoons for different things.”
Laten Butler is shown in a telephone booth as he and his mother saw the sites in England earlier this month.
This was a step up for Butler to experience a different level of coaching.
“They really focused on taking notes and going over plays while doing things on book versus just being on the field,” Butler continued.
“It helped me see both sides, not just being on the field.”
Experiencing different aspects of coaching will only make players stronger.
“It really helped me see what the next level is going to be like,” he said.
“It showed me how to be mentally ready for plays instead of being unsure and just seeing what can happen on the field.”
After a full week of training, players had the opportunity to play in an exhibition game to compete and show off their skills.
The All-American team Butler was a part of won with a 14-0 shutout.
“The game went well and we won,” Butler said.
“Our defense did a really good job of holding them. Offense was a little rough but we eventually figured it out.”
Laten Butler is shown near the famous Big Ben.
Butler continues to contribute anywhere he plays.
“I was one of the people that was able to score,” said Butler.
“It was fun and it was just really nice.”
Even though the trip was mostly about embracing the opportunity to grow as a football player, Butler was able to enjoy some time with his mom.
“My mom really enjoyed the trip,” he said.
“It was her first time being in the UK and she thought it was really cool.”
Along with training for football, the mother and son duo were able to take in some of the culture and sites of England.
“We got to drive around London,” Butlersaid.
“We saw Big Ben and other landmarks. I got to see some really cool things.”
The culture in England varies a bit from the culture in the United States.
“There were a lot of people in the streets and everyone walks everywhere,” Butler explained.
“They don’t really seem too big into using spices and the food was kind of bland.”
As the summer winds down, things are slowing down for Butler and he’s soaking it all in.
“I feel like things are slowing down now and I’m able to focus on one thing at a time,” he said.
“Right now I’m just working and helping my family with cattle and stuff.”
Butler plans to attend Merced College for animal science, and of course, football.
“When I went to camp I made some connections, so we’ll see what comes of it,” he said.
Along with Southern League MVP this season for varsity football at Mariposa County High School, Butler finished his high school football career with 1,069 yards rushing, 1,405 yards receiving and 27 touchdowns.
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