IHSA Names Officials Of The Year

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) is proud to announce its 2022-23 Officials of the Year in 22 IHSA sports. To be considered for this honor, an official must first be nominated by an Officials Association recognized by the IHSA or by an IHSA administrator. IHSA staff members then vote on the winners based on factors such as character, skill as an official, and levels worked in the IHSA State Series.

This year’s winners will be recognized during the 2023 IHSA Officials Conference, which will be held July 7-8 in Normal, Illinois.

“Far too often overlooked and underappreciated, sports officials are vital if high schools around the country wish to offer interscholastic athletics,” said IHSA Associated Executive Director Kurt Gibson.  “Our membership is honored to be able to recognize these 22 individuals for their service to young people across Illinois.  Their dedication to the avocation is a testament to their selfless nature, and we are grateful to be able to recognize these individuals for their excellence.”

IHSA OFFICIALS OF THE YEAR

Boys Soccer -- Michael Moore (Park Ridge)

Girls Soccer --  Thomas Schaefer (Ottawa)

Football -- Jeffrey Conrad (Bartlett)

Boys Basketball -- Larry Barnett (Makanda)

Girls Basketball -- Brian Rewerts (Wyoming)

Boys Lacrosse -- William Santie (Downers Grove)

Girls Lacrosse -- Noreen Rodriguez (Arlington Heights)

Baseball --  David Hasley (Abingdon)

Softball -- James Cahill (Galesburg)

Girls Volleyball -- Travis Pate (Greenville)

Boys Volleyball -- Marek Fracz (Gilberts)

Boys Swimming & Diving -- Nancy Myer (Geneva)

Girls Swimming & Diving -- Paul Beiersdorf (Peoria)

Water Polo -- Richard Marsh (Sugar Grove)

Cross Country -- Fredrick Pelley (Rockford)

Boys Track & Field -- Dr. Charles Nagel (Germantown Hills)

Girls Track & Field -- Peter Struck (Tinley Park)

Wrestling --  Kenneth Watkins (Maywood)

Boys Gymnastics -- Brandon Tucker (Highland Park)

Girls Gymnastics -- Terri Lacy (Crete)

Competitive Cheer -- Julie Matarelli (Edwardsville)

Competitive Dance --  Cindy Albright (Antioch)