The top scorers of the all-around championship in the second annual Gymnastics Invitational at Butler High School included one Butler athlete, Mel Collins, who is fourth from the right and took fourth place in the 1970 event. Butler Eagle File Photo

The early-season Invitational Gymnastics Show on Jan. 3, 1970 at Butler High School didn’t see any of the Golden Tornado walk away with first prize, but the team’s coach, Dave McKinnis, was still proud of the team’s showing.

The coach said the boys would probably give the runner-up school, Rochester High School, a run for its money at an upcoming section showdown that February.

The event in January 1970 was only the second annual gymnastics showcase hosted by Butler High School, but at least seven teams competed in categories including floor exercise, parallel bars, side horse, horizontal bar and still rings at the showcase.

One Butler student, Mel Collins, had the fourth best all-around score at the event, while a West Mifflin South student took first, Rochester had students place second and third and a West Mifflin North student took fifth.