North Side grad named next basketball coach at Humboldt

HUMBOLDT - Athletic Director George Yarbro announced on Oct. 31 the promotion of  Marcus Butler as associate head basketball coach for Humboldt Senior High basketball for the  2025-26 season. 

As the district looks ahead in preparation for the 2026-27 basketball season that’s a little more than a year away, this  promotion positions Butler to assume the helm from long-time coach Ronald Abernathy who has  dedicated over 12 years as head coach for the Humboldt Vikings. 

Butler was recruited by and has been  under the tutelage of Abernathy his entire tenure at Humboldt. 

The coaches together have guided  their teams to multiple district, regional and sub-state championships as well as four state tournament  appearances. 

Abernathy will continue to mentor and provide guidance to Butler for the upcoming  season as he prepares to hand over the reins for the season next year trusting the team is in good hands.  

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the associate head basketball coach,” Butler said. “I plan to continue working alongside our student-athletes, staff, and community as we continue to  build upon the proud tradition of excellence established here. 

“With the community’s support, our focus  will remain on hard work, discipline, and continuing the legacy of success set by Coach (Thomas) Boykin and Coach Abernathy.” 

Butler is a 2006 graduate of North Side High School where he was a four-year member of the basketball team.  He continued his basketball career at Crichton College in Memphis for three years before transferring to  Lane College for his fourth year and earning his degree in Mathematics. 

Butler began his coaching  career assisting the basketball program at North Side and later transitioned to Humboldt Jr. Sr. High  School as both teacher and assistant boys’ basketball coach. Butler currently teaches geometry at  HJSHS.  

“Over the past 12 years, Humboldt has been privileged to have a coach of legendary  caliber leading its basketball program, Coach Ron Abernathy,” Yarbro said. “Coach Abernathy has brought a  comprehensive and dynamic coaching philosophy to Humboldt athletics, characterized by his deep  knowledge of the game, extensive multi-level coaching experience, and consistent record of success. 

“Coach Marcus Butler, a protégé of Coach Abernathy, has greatly benefited from his mentorship and the  values instilled through his leadership. Humboldt City Schools is fortunate to have such a qualified and  dedicated individual as Coach Butler, who has served under Coach Abernathy and is well-positioned to  continue advancing the proud tradition of excellence within Humboldt athletics.” 

Abernathy also has connections in Madison County as he is a former men’s coach at Lane College and coached middle school ball at St. Mary’s before taking the job at Humboldt.